Hyderabad: HMRL has installed a men’s urinal on the pavement and the area is not enclosed, leading to privacy concerns for both men and women commuters. The waterless urinals, each costing Rs 3 lakh, can accommodate three men at a time.
It was often found that men using the urinals were visible from the outside. Experts said that urinals are a part of street furniture and should be enclosed and not be easily visible.
Ms Kanthimathi Kannan of the Right to Walk Foundation said, “Men are not bothered about their own privacy and they are thankful for having the urinal. Instead of keeping it facing the road or pavement, a closed area which is near a small garden or landscaping should be done. This will make it slightly more private,”
Experts said officials needed to think if women would be comfortable with the location of the urinal, and if the officials themselves would use it. Another expert, Mr Suresh Raju, founder of Vaada Foundation, said, “The design could be better. The concept is good, which is helping us maintain footpaths. Without a urinal, if someone urinates on the footpath commuters avoid using the footpath entirely. Having such a urinal is helpful.”
A HMRL official said an enclosure would be created for urinals. At certain locations like Moosapet, a small steel frame has been set up on three sides.
Hyderabad Metro Rail managing director N.V.S. Reddy said, “We are looking at various possibilities. We will also see if a design can be accommodated for covering the urinal. We are experimenting.”
