According to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Advocacy and Research in Delhi, in the absence of a toilet at home, 33 per cent of the total number of households depend on community toilets, while 8 per cent opt for open defecation.
If you don't find a clean toilet travelling in South Delhi, feel free to walk into a posh hotel or a fancy restaurant to answer nature's call. If the staff resist, just pay Rs 5 to use their washroom. Aimed at addressing the problem of a lack of toilets for women, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has directed all hotels and restaurants to make their washrooms available to the public.
Several parts of South Delhi are considered upmarket and house tony restaurants and cafes, but the 686-sq km area that comes under SDMC has only 1,000 toilets. With less than two toilets per sq km and only 25 per cent of these marked for women, the move is also aimed at supporting the Swachh Bharat Mission, with the number of toilets set to be increased to at least 5,000.
"If eateries don't follow the orders, they run the risk of losing their health licence. Also, their trade licence will not be renewed," said Mukesh Yadav, spokesperson, SDMC. "Starting April 1, these hotel and restaurant owners will have to give free access to the general public. They can charge up to Rs 5 per user to cover their maintenance charges," he added.
According to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Advocacy and Research in Delhi, in the absence of a toilet at home, 33 per cent of the total number of households depend on community toilets, while 8 per cent opt for open defecation.
The move, however, has received a mixed response from the various market associations in the capital. "It is ridiculous. The government should provide facilities to the public. If the restaurant is full, how will we manage to allow the general public to use the toilets," said Pawan Kumar Chopra, managing partner, GK-1 M Block Association, that has over 14 restaurants.
On the other hand, Sudhir Ahuja, general secretary, South Ex Part-2 Traders Welfare Association, said: "People are already using McDonald's outlets for the same. There is no harm in it. This is a nice idea. There are approximately four to five hotels in our area."
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 "A poorly maintained public toilet for women in the South Delhi area")
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