In a decisive move to address gender-specific sanitation and public health needs across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mrs. Sheela Singh, State Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), met with the Chief Secretary of the UT to formally propose the implementation of “Pink Toilets” at key locations across the islands.
During the meeting, Mrs. Singh presented a comprehensive proposal emphasizing the urgent need for dedicated sanitation facilities for women and girls—particularly in remote tribal communities and high-traffic tourist destinations. Inspired by successful models in cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and parts of Kerala, the “Pink Toilets” initiative seeks to create safe, hygienic, and gender-sensitive restrooms tailored to the needs of women. These facilities would include sanitary pad vending machines, incinerators for safe menstrual waste disposal, and trained female attendants to ensure privacy and security.
Highlighting the islands’ unique socio-geographical challenges, Mrs. Singh underscored the importance of these facilities in improving menstrual hygiene, curbing open defecation, and reducing plastic pollution—especially around ecologically sensitive coastal areas.
The proposal recommends launching pilot projects in tribal schools in Nicobar and along major tourist corridors, including Sri Vijaya Puram. Priority sites identified for the initial phase include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, ferry terminals, Jirkatang Check Post, Middle Strait Jetty, all municipal wards, and panchayat-level markets.
To ensure long-term viability, Mrs. Singh advocated for climate-resilient, cost-effective construction methods using locally sourced materials like rat-trap brick masonry. She also suggested leveraging government schemes such as the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen and partnering with corporate CSR initiatives, referencing PVR’s Pink Toilet model in Delhi as a potential blueprint.
The proposal places a strong emphasis on community ownership, recommending that local women be engaged in both the construction and maintenance of the facilities. This approach would not only create employment opportunities but also foster a sense of responsibility and ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
