Bhubaneswar: Lack of public toilets is a problem that’s pronounced for traffic police personnel who work in both rains and scorching heat. The problem is more acute for the 70 women employed as traffic police personnel.
DGP Bijay Kumar Sharma on Thursday announced the installation of eight mobile toilets in Bhubaneswar to tackle this crisis.
The installation of toilets is a big step towards the empowerment of women in the force. Sharma was known to have inducted women personnel in Traffic Police during his stint as Twin City Police Commissioner between 2008 and 2012.
The decision, as expected, has been welcomed by traffic personnel, especially women who have reportedly expressed that this would make their long duty hours more comfortable.
Currently, one mobile toilet has been installed at Acharya Vihar and three are expected to come up in the next few days at Jayadev Vihar, Nicco Park and Nalco Square.
Besides regular personnel, there are over 190 student traffic volunteers, including 100 women.
Not just women, men in the traffic police department, also expressed how they were forced to relieve themselves in open spaces when toilets are not available nearby.
Each mobile toilet has four compartments, two each for men and women traffic personnel. It is fitted with a water tank, exhaust fan and lights.
