In the bustling city of Agra, amidst its rich cultural heritage and iconic Taj Mahal, a silent but urgent battle rages on the streets – a battle for dignity, for basic human rights in the form of clean and safe public toilets.

Despite being hailed as Open Defecation Free, with thousands of new toilets dotting the city, the harsh reality is far from sanitary. Visitors and locals alike are met with a grim scene of dilapidated facilities, devoid of water and cleanliness, lurking in the shadows of magnificent monuments.

Read in Hindi: स्वच्छ और सुरक्षित सार्वजनिक शौचालयों के लिए नागरिकों की हताशाभरी पुकार

The cries for help echo through the cobbled streets, as social activists and environmentalists plead for free, hygienic toilets every kilometre. The stench of neglect lingers in the air, as people in Dalit areas resort to desolate corners, railway tracks, and open drains for relief, a stark contrast to the grandeur that Agra boasts.

Tourists, both domestic and foreign, witness this unsettling sight, their admiration for the historical wonders tainted by the lack of basic amenities. The city's historical charm is overshadowed by the shadows of unsanitary conditions and a lack of civic responsibility.

Amidst the chaos, a plea resonates from the depths of the city – why should citizens pay a toll for a service as fundamental as nature's call? The paradox of a city rich in history but poor in sanitation lingers, challenging the very essence of progress and development.

As the sun sets over the Taj Mahal, the battle for dignity wages on, demanding a revolution in mindset and infrastructure. The need for modern, accessible public toilets is not just a convenience but a symbol of respect, of a city's commitment to its people and visitors alike.

Agra's call for clean and safe public toilets is not just a pressing need – it's a cry for reclaiming dignity, for rewriting the narrative of a city caught between the shadows of its past and the promise of a brighter, cleaner future.

Although the city has been declared Open Defecation Free, with over 16,000 new toilets added, the problem is that most are without water and are rarely cleaned. "If you happen to visit one, you could return with a disease or two after using it," said visitors.

Many tourists rush back to the hotels to relieve themselves of the pressure, though the Archaeological Survey of India has provided public toilets at the monuments. But if a tourist were to venture out on his own to see the heritage city interiors, he would face serious problems.

A major problem is the mindset. People are still ‘addicted to doing it in the open’. Government agencies have added hundreds of new toilets, but people do not use them. Rather, they look for open spaces, perhaps due to our continued rural orientation.

Thousands of toilets built by the Agra Municipal Corporation were mere showpieces, as there was no arrangement for regular cleaning.

Analyzing the factors that persuaded locals to do it in the open, Dr Mukul Pandya said, "It was more a cultural trait. Most come from rural areas. They still prefer open spaces to ease themselves." You may build any number of toilets, but they will not use them and look for open spaces. Perhaps this is due to our rural orientation, he added.

Agra, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and home to the iconic Taj Mahal, attracts millions of tourists each year. The need for clean and safe public toilets in such a heritage city is critical for several reasons.

A significant number of visitors rely on public restrooms during their travels. Clean and safe facilities enhance overall visitor satisfaction and comfort, encouraging positive experiences and repeat visits.

Secondly, hygiene is paramount for public health. Clean public toilets help prevent the spread of diseases and maintain healthy living conditions for both residents and visitors.

Environmentalist Devashish Bhattacharya says, "Women say they need toilets in all the markets and commercial complexes. Right now, there is a pathetic lack of toilets in the city, and the image of the city in the eyes of visitors is dented on this count."

The battle for clean and safe public toilets in Agra is not just about sanitation; it is about dignity, health, and the city's commitment to its residents and visitors. The current state of public toilets, despite the city's Open Defecation Free status, highlights a significant gap between policy and practice.

Agra's call for clean and safe public toilets is a cry for reclaiming dignity and rewriting the narrative of a city caught between the shadows of its past and the promise of a brighter, cleaner future. It is a call to action for policymakers, civic authorities, and the community to come together and address this pressing need.