Four Toilets, One Bathroom, Zero Access — A Silchar Sanitation Paradox

A public toilet constructed over five years ago in Tarapur, Silchar — adjacent to the Rotary Club building under the erstwhile Ward No. 24 (now Ward No. 7 after delimitation) — remains unopened, unused, and allegedly abandoned since the day it was built. Locals claim it was constructed during the tenure of then ward commissioner Madhumita Sharma, but was never “ceremonially opened” or made operational.

The unused facility has now reportedly turned into a space for anti-social activities, while garbage continues to pile up around it, making the area an unpleasant eyesore. “We have never seen anyone use it. It was built years ago but never opened,” a local told Barak Bulletin. Another added that during the 2022 floods, when displaced families sheltered in the locality, some used the locked bathroom out of necessity, but after that, it returned to its unused state.

Despite multiple attempts, former commissioner Madhumita Sharma did not respond to calls made by Barak Bulletin.

Silchar already suffers from a shortage of public toilets. Even on World Toilet Day this month, the Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was able to make only two new public toilets functional. Several others across the town continue to remain locked, poorly maintained, or simply abandoned.

Just another example stands at Annapurna Ghat, Tarapur — a full toilet complex consisting of four toilets, a bathroom, water faucets, jet spray, a deep tube well and overhead water tanks. Yet, it remains completely non-operational. The reason, according to locals, remains unknown. After dark, the vacant structure allegedly becomes a hotspot for alcohol consumption and intoxicants.

When Barak Bulletin reached out, SMC Commissioner Srishti Singh assured that action would be taken. “I will take stock of the situation and ensure the toilet becomes functional after assessment and inspection,” she said, adding that more public toilets are planned to be made operational gradually across the city.

As Silchar continues to expand, its struggle with basic sanitation remains glaring — and a toilet built over five years ago remains to take a seat.