Navi Mumbai APMC women’s toilet being used by men, raising access concerns

A video grab of men bathing and washing clothes in a bathroom reserved for women

A toilet meant for women is also being used by men at the Navi Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), raising questions over access control and monitoring at one of Mumbai's busiest wholesale markets. The concern is particularly serious in the vegetable and fruit markets, where several facilities remain operational around the clock due to the continuous movement of traders, workers, transporters and customers.

Men are seen exiting the women's toilet at Navi Mumbai APMC

mid-day contacted APMC officials to comment on the alleged misuse of women's toilets, maintenance arrangements, water supply, access control, and action taken against encroachments. APMC Chairman Jaykumar Rawal did not respond to calls and messages till press time.

Same issue across markets

The spice market, which sees heavy footfall particularly during festive periods, has also witnessed complaints about foul smell and water-related problems. Traders claim that in some locations wastewater has affected surrounding areas. There are also allegations of encroachments around some toilet premises, with small shops, offices, and storage crates occupying spaces around the facilities, potentially affecting access and cleanliness.

A badly maintained women's toilet at the Navi Mumbai APMC. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Burning questions

The maintenance of these toilets is understood to be handled through a contractual arrangement. This raises questions over whether the contractor's performance is regularly audited, whether service standards are checked, and whether penalties are imposed when contractual conditions are not met.

Infrastructure in place

According to information available, APMC's five market areas have 52 public toilets. The vegetable and fruit markets have 10 public toilets, while the spice market has 21 public toilets. The onion-potato market has seven public toilets, and the grain market has two public toilets. Another seven public toilets are located in the additional shop-cum-godown area. Despite this infrastructure, traders complain of foul smell, inadequate water supply, poor cleaning, and maintenance issues.

Accountability needed

The issue also assumes significance against the backdrop of an earlier Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) action involving an official associated with APMC's sanitation department. Traders now want the administration to establish clear accountability for sanitation and maintenance. Traders assert that meetings, notices, and circulars won't resolve the issue. The real test, they say, is whether a woman entering APMC can find a toilet that is clean, functional, safe, and actually reserved for women.

The bigger problem

Harishankar Chaurasia, trader in fruit market
‘There are several issues with the toilets. Cleanliness, water availability, and maintenance are all concerns. APMC is a major market where thousands of people come every day. Women should have access to a clean and separate toilet without having to worry about who else is using it'

Rupesh Mule, trader
‘There are toilets, but the question is whether they are being properly maintained and monitored. If a toilet is marked for women, there should be proper arrangements to ensure that it remains accessible and safe for women'

Manohar Totlani, trader in onion-potato market
‘There are multiple issues that need attention. A toilet may be available on paper, but what matters is whether it is clean, whether there is water, and whether it can actually be used comfortably. These facilities need regular monitoring'

Shyam Yeshwant Narawade, trader
‘People come here from different parts of the state. They expect basic facilities in a market of this scale. Toilets should be clean, functional, and properly managed throughout the day. There should also be proper segregation for women'

‘A healthy market needs clean toilets'

Madhu Shankar, Navi Mumbai-based social activist
‘Vashi APMC is Asia's largest wholesale market with thousands of vendors and customers visiting daily. If basic sanitation is not maintained here, it will directly impact the health of vendors, traders, and citizens. Authorities must immediately clean, repair, and deploy security so that ladies' toilets are protected and used only by women. Heavy penalties should be imposed for misuse. A healthy market needs clean toilets'

Fatma Bharde, advocacy journalist
‘I never use the toilets when I visit the APMC market as, in my experience, they are not maintained, and it's better to avoid using them'

[popcorn number="52" desc="Total no of toilets at Navi Mumbai APMC" class="Default"]