Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of State for Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship, and Sports, Gaurav Gautam, on Monday inaugurated a modern ‘Aspirational Toilet’ constructed at an estimated cost of Rs.30 lakh in Tau Devi Lal Town Park, located in Ward No. 12 of Municipal Council, Palwal. Developed with joint financial support from the Government of India and the Haryana Government, the project has been implemented in accordance with the guidelines of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Speaking on the occasion, Gaurav Gautam said that the State Government’s objective is not merely to construct toilets, but to develop public sanitation facilities that meet the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, convenience and dignity. He said that the initiative represents an important step towards creating a safer and more inclusive public environment, particularly for women, children, transgender persons and Divyangjan.
The Minister informed that the modern public sanitation complex has been designed with separate toilet facilities for men, women, transgender persons and Divyangjan. Keeping in mind the needs of mothers and young children, a dedicated baby care room has also been provided. In addition, a store room has been constructed for the safe storage of cleaning and maintenance materials.
Public Participation Vital for Building Cleaner Cities
Gaurav Gautam said that facilities such as Aspirational Toilets play a crucial role in reducing unhygienic practices such as open urination, improving public health and strengthening sanitation standards such as ODF Plus. He appealed to citizens to remember that this facility has been created for public use and should therefore be used responsibly. He urged people to maintain its cleanliness and protect it as a valuable public asset.
He said that separate facilities for women, dedicated spaces for childcare, dignified provisions for the transgender community and barrier-free access for Divyangjan make this project an ideal public sanitation model. He added that only through public participation and awareness can the benefits of such public welfare initiatives reach every section of society.
The Sports Minister of State further stated that the project marks an important step towards strengthening citizen amenities, promoting sanitation and developing inclusive urban infrastructure. He expressed confidence that it will contribute significantly to the creation of a cleaner, healthier and more developed city.
