Stinky toilets for protesters at 'Freedom Park'

Bengaluru: Freedom Park is where majority of protests are held in the city, not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its sprawling ground. People gather in large numbers here almost every day to make their voice heard.

Unfortunately, in spite of these large gatherings, the protesters do not have a place where they can respectably relieve themselves. The toilets in the premises are in deplorable condition, with feces pouring out of the cubicles. In addition to clogged toilets, the water supply is erratic, no flushes or buckets in all cubicles and neither do the toilets have any soap or hand wash. Most of the commodes are broken.

“Protests go on for the entire day sometimes and while we are here and it is very uncomfortable for us to go to the bathroom. Least they can do is keeping toilets clean. It is the basic amenity!” complained Radhika, who was at the Park for a protest. The stench is unbearable and hits you even at a distance from the washroom. 

On Wednesday, seven women had lined up to use one cubicle that had running water, which after sometime stopped. The curator and administrator of the Park, Mr Somashekher, said that the protesters shouldn’t be allowed to use the toilets inside and that the Park management was actually doing them a favour.