A CORRESPONDENT
NAZIRA: The residents of Nazira town raised complaints of the lack of a public toilet in the area. The public toilet located near the Takou Ali and Dhodar Ali connecting road in Ward No. 5, adjacent to the Nazira HS & MP School premises was demolished by the authorities several years ago, leaving the town without a public toilet. Despite repeated appeals of the public, the authorities have failed to construct a new one.
The absence of a public toilet has been causing immense inconvenience to Nazira’s residents. People are forced to use private facilities, which are often not readily available or are restricted. An incident at a private petrol pump, where a youth was scolded for using the toilet, highlights the plight of Nazira’s residents. The lack of public toilets has become the norm in Nazira, with people resorting to open defecation, facing immense hardships. The situation is a reflection of the authorities’ apathy towards the citizens’ basic needs. Nazira Municipal Board and the civil administration seem to be indifferent to the issue, leaving the residents to suffer. Nazira’s people are being forced to prioritize their basic needs over dignity, and the situation demands immediate attention from the authorities.
Meanwhile, in 2022-2023, the Nazira Municipal Board constructed a public toilet in the premises of Nazira police station at a cost of approximately Rs 7 lakh. However, it does not serve its purpose effectively as people generally feel hesitant to visit the police station. Moreover, the police station is located at one end of the town, and the area is relatively less-crowded compared to other parts of the town.
When contacted, the municipal authorities explained that the toilet was constructed at the police station due to a lack of suitable alternative locations. They also stated that if a suitable location was found in the heart of the town, the municipal board was ready to construct public toilets.
However, many citizens believe that instead of wasting government funds on building a public toilet in the compound of Nazira police station, constructing a modern public toilet within the premises of the Assam Transport Corporation (ASTC) station in the heart of Nazira town would have greatly benefited the people.
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