Words cannot explain the plight of people when they cannot find a public restroom to answer nature’s call even as Chennai is being made ‘smart’ with each passing day.
Dhagam Foundation, an NGO founded by 10 youngsters, has set out to buck the trend when it comes to functioning of public toilets.
Speaking to News Today, convenor of the foundation, Govind Murugan, said, “The main issue that plagues the city when it comes to public toilets is the lack of the toilets in the first place, then comes the issue of proper door locks, water supply, buckets, mugs, bins and incinerator.”
Thus, the NGO had conducted an audit of public washrooms as part of their campaign, which is aptly named ‘Kakkoos-A-Kaanom’ (missing toilets).
“We have taken a look at more than 600 public washrooms across Chennai and recently surveyed the restrooms at Valasaravakkam, Maduravoyal and Virugambakkam. The chief aim of this audit was to restore public toilets with all amenities for the benefit of women. A team of four members of our NGO – Mahalakshmi, Chandiya, Kavita and Archana Sekar – were in charge of Valasaravakkam and Maduravoyal areas,” he said.
Archana Sekar, coordinator of the NGO, said, “It was totally disgusting to see that most public toilets in the areas of Valasaravakkam and Maduravoyal were in a pathetic state. In addition, liquor bottles were found dumped inside the washrooms. Further, we found that the positioning of many public toilets was wrong. People walked right past them without knowing that they were there.”
Mahalakshmi, a member, said, “Appalled by our findings, we took up the case with Chennai Corporation, CMWSSB, MTC and CMDA. We have requested the civic body to form a separate department which will work only to maintain public washrooms.”
According to Akash Madhi, a trustee of Dhagam Foundation, it is difficult to pin responsibility on one government body due to the involvement of various agencies.
When News Today spoke with Anitha, a student from the neighbourhood, she said, “The state of public toilets in the city leaves a lot to be desired. I have had to go to restaurants and use their restroom because public toilets are filthy. There is no concern for women and their safety. Many toilets do not even have working lights or locks.”
Dhagam foundation can be reached at 88702 62513, 95433 95511.