Kullu’s public toilet fee draws flak over affordability, safety

An allegedly unfair practice has sparked public anger in Dhalpur, the district headquarters of Kullu. Residents report that minors and young girls are being charged Rs 10 to use public toilets, particularly at Sulabh Sauchalaya facilities near vendors market and the bus station. This charge is drawing criticism for turning a basic necessity into a financial burden.

Locals argue that sanitation should be accessible and affordable to all, especially children and low-income families. A concerned resident stated, “What should be a basic public utility is being turned into a financial strain. Many young girls are distressed and avoid using these facilities altogether.”

A girl student highlighted additional concerns, stating, “These toilets lack hygiene and safety. There is no female attendant present, and we were charged Rs 10 by a rude male staff member every time we needed to change clothes for our athletics event.”

The presence of male staff and the absence of gender-sensitive arrangements have raised serious questions about inclusivity and safety. Residents claim that poor behaviour by sanitation workers, especially at the Vendors Market toilet, discourages people from using the facilities. For daily wage earners, school students, and market vendors, paying Rs 10 repeatedly becomes a significant financial burden. Many believe these costs are unjustified, especially when taxpayers already fund public infrastructure.

In response to the growing criticism, Kullu Municipal Council Executive Officer Anubhav Sharma clarified that the Sulabh Organisation levies charges based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He stated, “A rate of Rs 5 has been approved for toilets and Rs 10 for bathrooms.” He also directed Sulabh officials to display rate lists clearly for public awareness and transparency.

However, residents remain dissatisfied. Many fear that continued charges could lead to increased open defecation, defeating the very purpose of having public toilets. Concerns about poor maintenance, lack of water, and unhygienic conditions further compound the issue, making these facilities unsafe—especially for young girls and elderly citizens.

A girl student highlighted additional concerns, stating: “These toilets lack hygiene and safety. There is no woman attendant present, and we were charged Rs 10 by a rude male staff member every time we needed to urinate or change clothes for our athletics event.”

There is a growing demand that public toilets be free for women, children, and the elderly, and that proper hygiene standards and safety measures be enforced. A local resident summed up the public mood by calling it a “shameful and laughable situation,” adding, “First the ‘Toilet Tax’ row, and now a steep fee. Things are only getting worse.”

As public pressure mounts, citizens continue to call on local authorities to revise the pricing model and uphold sanitation as a basic human right, not a luxury.

Himachal Tribune