Pink toilets dedicated to women, girls and children will soon become a reality in the state.
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had recommended the establishment of pink toilets in Karnataka based on the Delhi model where ‘pink’ toilets were recently set up.
Following this, the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KCPCR) decided to go through with it.
KCPCR sources say that the project will be implemented in association with local bodies and the state Department of Women and Child Welfare.
A KCPCR official said that the communication from the National Commission has reached them and they are working out ways to implement this.
However, whether this project will be started on a pilot basis in Bengaluru or a phased manner across the state is yet to be decided.
“We will communicate the need for having pink toilets to local bodies, departments concerned and also the state government,” said Kripa Alva, chairperson of KCPCR.
In a letter sent to the officials concerned by the national commission, it mentions that these toilets will be painted pink and equipped with sanitary napkin vending machines as well as incinerators.
The letter further reads that efforts are being made to provide a hygienic space for child care and breast feeding and other facilities for women and girls.
Some of the features of pink toilets include: clean washrooms with Indian and Western toilets, low height toilets and basins for children, proper lighting, easy signage, woman caretaker available 24/7, helpline numbers on boards, disabled friendly with availability of ramps, private area for child care, availability of toilet location on app.
A recent survey done by a city-based nonprofit had found that the state’s capital Bengaluru is short by more than a thousand (1,100) public toilet complexes, according to the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Guidelines— the flagship scheme introduced by the PM Modi-led BJP government.
The survey was done by Janaagraha with support from The Asia Foundation.