Flushing Out A Problem
- connect2783
- Nov 21, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 18
From QR-coded complaint mechanisms to mobile loos on wheels, Indian cities are rethinking public toilets. However, despite such tech fixes and civic campaigns, hygiene remains hit-or-miss. While some cities boast improvements, others struggle with poor upkeep. As sanitation innovations meet on-ground realities, the future of public toilets may well depend on how cities balance infrastructure, accountability, and dignity in design.
Public toilets in India are often a topic of concern due to issues related to hygiene and accessibility. A recent survey conducted across 341 districts in India shed light on the state of public toilets.
While 42% of urban Indians believed there had been an improvement in the availability of public restrooms, 52% remained dissatisfied with their cleanliness.
Vital for residents and commuters, public toilets play a crucial role in ensuring public sanitation. Yet their upkeep is a frequent matter of contention. In Coimbatore, reports have highlighted the poor condition of ‘Namma Toilets’, despite contracts through the PPP model. To address such problems across Indian cities, initiatives like the ‘ToiletSeva’ app have emerged.
Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad authorities have tied up with this app to provide feedback on the status of toilets and help users locate well-maintained facilities. In Trichy, the city corporation introduced QR code systems for people to flag unclean toilets and provide valuable feedback for improvements.
Architect Viswanathan Sridhar has devised mobile public toilets in Chennai, which offer a clean space for single-person usage, which can be mounted on a cycle or a vehicle. These mobile toilets aim to provide accessibility and privacy, addressing the issues faced by women and persons with disabilities in particular.
Public toilets are a critical component of urban infrastructure.
The Sulabh Shauchalaya movement, founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, has addressed sanitation challenges through the innovative two-pit pour-flush toilet system.
Aiming to eliminate manual scavenging and improve overall hygiene, such impact also encompassed community engagement and promoting sustainable sanitation practices.
While challenges related to the maintenance of public toilets persist, efforts are being made by citizens and civil society to enhance the overall quality of life for the public.