Srinagar, Aug 02: In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing the pilgrimage experience for women, the Housing and Urban Development Department, under the visionary leadership of Commissioner Secretary Mandeep Kaur, IAS, 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.
Recognizing the unique needs of women devotees, this ground-breaking step addresses a critical gap in infrastructure, providing a safe, hygienic, and dignified environment for thousands of women undertaking this arduous spiritual journey.
The pink toilets, fully equipped with modern facilities and vending machines for sanitary pads will ensure that the required sanitary aids are always available, thereby eliminating fears of running out of stocks. Incinerators will provide a hygienic and environment-friendly disposal facility by burning down the waste, thereby keeping the cleanliness and reducing wastes along the Yatra route.
“It was a challenge to manage hygiene during the arduous journey, but thanks to these facilities available her by HUDD, J&K, I felt safe, comfortable, and respected. The availability of sanitary pads and the proper disposal mechanism has been a boon. I am particularly thankful to the team of volunteers who guided us on how to use the vending machine and the incinerator. Their support and care made a significant difference to my pilgrimage experience. This initiative has not only addressed a basic need but has also empowered women to undertake this sacred journey with dignity and confidence,” says Ms. Pooja Verma from Mumbai expressing her gratitude in her words.
HUDD remains committed to continuous improvement in the pink toilets initiative. Feedback from the women pilgrims proved invaluable in pointing out areas of enhancement and ensuring that the facilities remain relevant to meet their dynamic needs. “There are plans to increase the number of pink toilets, as well as incorporate some features that will further enhance comfort and hygiene for the women pilgrims,” stated HUDD.
The HUDD is sensitive to the need to provide access to amenities through the availability of clean facilities as easily as possible for an inclusive and respectful pilgrimage environment. “Pink toilets along the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra route will serve as the first step in empowering pilgrim women with hygiene and self-respect. Adding the sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators in Pink Toilets to serve the initiative is not only about making female pilgrims comfortable but also lays emphasis on providing an enabling environment where every pilgrim can embark on their spiritual journey with confidence and self-esteem,” says Ms. Mandeep Kaur, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary HUDD, J&K.
