Sanitation Struggles Mar Shimla Winter Carnival Celebration

Shimla, December 25 Ritanjali Hastir

The Winter Carnival in Shimla, attracting crowds to various venues like Ridge Ground, Gaiety Theater, Rani Jhansi Park, and exhibition areas, has encountered a significant hurdle – the lack of proper washroom facilities. Families, women, and the elderly attending the event find themselves inconvenienced by the absence of accessible public toilets, further aggravated by the ongoing renovation of the facility near Town Hall.

This oversight has unintentionally burdened families and tourists, with many heavily relying on washrooms near Rotary Town Hall, Lakkar Bazar, and Lower Bazaar. However, the unfriendly and unfamiliar nature of these locations has compounded the challenge, making it difficult for a significant number of people.

Expressing dissatisfaction and discomfort, participants and visitors question the planning and management of the event, highlighting the oversight in providing basic sanitation facilities.

Tourists, particularly those with children, have faced inconvenience, relying on nearby public facilities or enduring long queues, affecting their overall carnival experience.

Avneet Kaur, a tourist from Chandigarh, shared, “We eagerly looked forward to experiencing the joy of the carnival, but our enthusiasm turned into frustration due to the unfortunate lack of toilet facilities. Navigating the event with my infant became an incredibly challenging task, and to exacerbate the situation, our hotel is quite far away, making it inconvenient to access restroom facilities promptly. It’s disheartening to witness such a major oversight, especially when attending a family-friendly event.”

Despite directives to provide free water and restroom access, several restaurants in the area are not adhering to these guidelines. Many establishments display signs indicating that restrooms are for customers only, undermining the intended inclusivity.

As concerns mount, organizers are urged to take immediate action, installing temporary washroom facilities to ensure attendee comfort. The absence of proper sanitation not only reflects poorly on event management but also raises questions about the city’s preparedness for hosting large-scale gatherings.

Residents and participants hope that authorities promptly address this issue to salvage the remaining days of the Shimla Winter Carnival, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the festivities without unnecessary inconveniences.