Sir,

Apropos the recent letter in SOM on public urination, it is indeed a national shame that important streets in our city reek of human urine. We, the so-called civilised citizens, behave no better than animals when it comes to answering nature’s call.

It is shocking to see well-constructed public toilets lying unused and locked. For instance, near the new Devaraja Traffic Police Station building, men continue to relieve themselves on the road next to Bidaram Rama Mandira, while the nearby toilet remains inaccessible.

Whose money is being spent on building such facilities that remain perpetually defunct? And who is accountable for this negligence?

One can only imagine the plight of women, who are left without a clean, hygienic place to relieve themselves — forced to endure discomfort because the city fails to meet even their basic needs. This is a fundamental civic requirement and it demands immediate attention from the administration.

Our authorities must adopt better systems and provide functional, well-maintained public toilets. Even smaller countries like Singapore offer exemplary models we can emulate. Will our district administration finally take note?

– Chitkala Arun, Gokulam, 4.12.2025

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