Pune: Women Denied Access To Free Toilets At Sinhgad Fort, Forest Department Faces Public Backlash

Sinhgad, 11th June 2023: The collection of fees by the forest department at Sinhgad has sparked a heated debate. Four-wheeler owners are charged Rs 100, while two-wheeler drivers are charged Rs 50 as a ‘nuisance fee’ for accessing the fort. Additionally, a fee of Rs 5 per person is imposed for using the public toilets. This has led to frustration among visitors, particularly women, who often find themselves without the Rs 5 change required and without access to online payment options due to network issue.

Umesh Dattatray Vaidya, expressing his anger on Facebook, highlighted the plight of women who are forced to beg for the required amount as the concerned employees refuse to let them enter without paying. Vaidya’s post has gained significant attention, questioning the integrity of the fort when visitors are subjected to such treatment.

There are two public toilets available at Sinhgad, one near the parking and the other at the fort itself. Both locations charge a fee of Rs 5 per person, with staff members assigned to collect the amount.

Although many citizens prefer online payment methods, the lack of network coverage at Sinhgad poses challenges. Consequently, individuals are reluctantly answering nature’s call in open due to the unavailability of change money or the inability to make online payments.

The situation has caused growing frustration among women, who find themselves unable to access necessary toilet facilities without the required fee. This raises questions about the preservation of the fort’s sanctity. Umesh Vaidya’s Facebook post has garnered considerable attention, with many citizens expressing their strong disapproval of the forest department’s actions.

In response to the public outcry, Maharashtra State Commission for Women has intervened. Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the commission, stated that orders have been passed to provide free public toilets for women in Maharashtra. Following discussions with forest department officials, immediate action will be taken to ensure that women are not inconvenienced.

Deepak Pawar, Assistant Conservator of Forests in Pune, has instructed the concerned employees not to charge visitors for using the facilities for urination. He emphasized that fees should only be collected for defecation and that any employee found demanding money for other purposes would face strict consequences.

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