Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 2: To enhance the pilgrimage experience for women, the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD) has introduced specialized Pink Toilets equipped with sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators at key locations in Srinagar and Jammu for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Pink Toilets, fully equipped with modern facilities, will ensure that sanitary aids are always available, eliminating fears of running out of stock.
Officials told Excelsior that incinerators will provide a hygienic and environment-friendly disposal facility by burning waste, thereby maintaining cleanliness and reducing waste along the Yatra route.
“These sanitary aids and disposal machines within and outside the Pink Toilets have transformed the yatra experience for many women,” officials noted.
The initiative, officials note, addresses a critical gap in infrastructure, providing a safe, hygienic, and dignified environment for thousands of women undertaking this spiritual journey.
Women have welcomed HUDD’s efforts, noting that such initiatives are essential for ensuring that women can undertake the journey without hesitation and with peace of mind.
“It was challenging to manage hygiene during the arduous journey, but thanks to these facilities provided by HUDD, J&K, I felt safe, comfortable, and respected. The availability of sanitary pads and proper disposal mechanisms has been a boon. This initiative has empowered women to undertake this sacred journey with dignity and confidence,” said Pooja Verma from Mumbai.
“Having sanitary pad vending machines available has significantly improved my Yatra experience. It’s comforting to know that essential facilities are in place, allowing women to focus on our spiritual journey without worrying about basic hygiene needs,” said Neha Singh, a Yatri from Jaipur.
Understanding the special hygiene needs of women, HUDD has provided machines for instant access to proper disposal methods, ensuring women can take care of their menstrual health with dignity and ease during the pilgrimage.
Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary HUDD, J&K, said that the Pink Toilets along the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route are a first step in empowering women pilgrims with hygiene and self-respect.
“Adding sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in Pink Toilets is not only about making female pilgrims comfortable but also about providing an environment where every pilgrim can embark on their spiritual journey with confidence and self-esteem.”
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