Senior Citizens in Distress as Public Toilets in Pimple Saudagar Remain Inaccessible
Pune: Many senior citizens of Kokane Chowk, Rahatani, Pimple Saudagar and other areas are facing discomfort due to the non-operational public toilets in Kokane Chowk and Yashoda Chowk. Even though the construction was completed 2 years back, it is yet to be opened by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). Many senior citizens visit the linear garden in Kokane Chowk to exercise and meditate.
Archana Brahmankar, Resident, Leon Orbit Society, Rahatani, said, “The public toilets must be opened immediately. Every day senior citizens coming to Kokane Chowk or Yashoda Chowk face a lot of problems due to not getting access to the public toilets.”
Rekha Kulkarni, Resident, Pimple Saudagar said, “Several senior citizens come here from far away places to exercise daily. Hence, they face a lot of issues as the toilets are not operational. Thus, this issue must be resolved as soon as possible.”
Nandakumar Khedkar, Resident, Gharonda Co-op Society, Kokane Chowk said, “This issue should not be ignored. Several authorities visit, give assurances and go. They will only say that it will be operational soon. When will that soon come? It has been almost two years now.”
Shakuntala Patil, Resident, Pimple Saudagar said, “Various officials come here and give us false promises that the toilets will be operational in 8 to 10 days. But, nothing is happening. What shall we do then? Hence, we sincerely request the authorities to finally make the public toilets accessible to everyone.”
Prashant Dhakane, Resident, Roseland Residency, Pimple Saudagar said, “I have been following this since November 2022. I have sent a lot of emails to PCMC officials but it appears that all these requests have fallen on deaf ears. Some senior citizens have health issues as well. So, access to public toilets are a must for them. We were assured by the PCMC Commissioner that the toilets will open in January, February and so on. It is June now but still, they are not open. Due to this, several senior citizens have stopped drinking water & they are facing health issues.”
Rambhau Salunkhe, Head of Laughter Club in Linear Garden, Kokane Chowk said, “From 7 am to 8:30 am every day, a yoga and laughter club is arranged. Various senior citizens gather at that time. The public toilets were built two years back but they are not still operational. Several senior citizens have health issues like sugar, diabetes etc due to which they have to go to the toilet frequently. Despite several complaints, the officials have not taken any action.”Speaking to Pune Pulse, Nana Kate, Ex – Corporator, Pimple Saudagar, stated “The toilets built in Linear Garden were built under Smart City initiative. Now, they are going to be transferred to the Bhoomi Zindagi department in PCMC soon. Till Tuesday or Wednesday, after a detailed inspection of the maintenance, security and other aspects, the toilets will be made open for the public. Hence, all the citizens need not to worry. They will get to use those toilets soon.”
