Pune : Kalyani Nagar Residents Raise Health Concerns Over Public Urination
Image used for representational purposes.
Wadgaon Sheri residents are in distress as they say that the issue of public urination is increasing in Kalyani Nagar, Vadgaon Sheri posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Jaffer Iqbal, Resident of Kalyani Nagar, said “This happens everywhere in Kalyani Nagar. However, the real reason for the open urination issue is non-availability of public toilets by PMC at several spots in Kalyani Nagar. There are only 2 public toilets in Kalyani Nagar. Hence, if sufficient public toilets aren’t provided, open urination will continue to happen. So, public toilets must be there at spots after frequent distances for people to stop openly urinating. Also, the public toilets must be well-maintained.”
Bijoy Guha, Resident of Kalyani Nagar, said “On the whole stretch from Reddy’s restaurant right up to Aga Khan bridge, open urination happens. There are no public toilets. People stop their vehicles & urinate openly. The PMC hasn’t provided public toilets etc. Hence, this tends to happen. Hence, I think it’s a 70%-30% thing where 70% blame is on the person urinating openly as he is not doing the right thing. 30% blame is on the PMC as there are no public toilets.”
As per further information from Kalyani Nagar residents, the consequences of public urination are far-reaching and can lead to the spread of various diseases, including:
· Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacteria from urine can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, causing UTIs.
· Kidney Stones: The constant exposure to bacteria and viruses in public places can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
· Hepatitis: Viruses that cause hepatitis can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, making public urination a potential breeding ground for the disease.
· HIV: Although rare, HIV can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids, including urine.
· Other Infections: Public urination can also lead to the spread of other infections such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigellosis.
Sadik Shaikh, PMC Health Department official, said “We are patrolling the entire area daily to keep a check on the open urination issue. If someone is caught, fines up to Rs 180 to Rs 200 are issued. Also, we are frequently creating awareness about open urination.”
