Dehradun Introduces Pink Toilets and Women-Run Cafés for a More Inclusive City

For the first time, Dehradun is introducing three dedicated public washrooms exclusively for women. These "pink toilets" are being constructed at Dharampur, Dispensary Road, and near the Rajiv Gandhi Complex. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public sanitation, with a budget of ₹1.6 crore also allocated for maintaining existing washrooms across the city.

To further enhance public amenities, the administration is setting up additional modular washrooms at key locations, including Tehsil Chowk, Ballupur Chowk Flyover, and Raja Road, with more sites being identified for future installations.

Last year, city officials announced plans to construct nine pink washrooms, alongside a commitment to repairing and upgrading existing facilities. Dehradun currently has over 40 public toilets, seven of which were built under the Smart City initiative. These efforts align with the city's goal of improving its ranking in the annual Swachh Survekshan survey conducted by the central government.

Beyond sanitation, the district administration is taking steps to empower women by creating employment opportunities. A new initiative is underway to establish modern cafés, restaurants, and outlets managed by women-run self-help groups. In the first phase, four such outlets are being developed at court premises, Sudhhowala, Coronation Hospital, and Guchhupani.

According to District Magistrate Savin Bansal, these women-led businesses will provide sustainable livelihoods while ensuring visitors have access to fresh, nutritious food. Officials believe this initiative will not only support economic independence for women but also contribute to a more inclusive and progressive urban landscape.

With improved sanitation and new job opportunities, Dehradun is taking meaningful steps toward becoming a cleaner, safer, and more women-friendly city.