Dilapidated community toilets — one for men and one for women — serving more than 800 residents are best avoided, thanks to the filthy, slippery floor that could bring down anyone who dares a visit.
Published Jan 06, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 06, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Why toilets make Chennai's Thideer Nagar, SS Puram residents pray
Dignity takes a back seat as the acrid smell that envelopes Thideer Nagar and SS Puram in the Tamil Nadu capital makes breathing impossible. Still, despite the lung-burning stench, a few are determined to stand up for dignity — or whatever remains of it.
The Indian Constitution does not explicitly mention the Right to Dignity but it is considered a fundamental value, an unenumerated right of every citizen. Yet, the low-lying Thideer Nagar at Otteri and SS Puram in Chennai remain festering, maggot-infested wounds on the face of a modern, metropolitan Chennai.
Overflowing sewage and fresh signs of open defecation are ubiquitous in the two localities, rich with unkept election promises. Dilapidated community toilets — one for men and one for women — serving more than 800 residents are best avoided, thanks to the filthy, slippery floor that could bring down anyone who dares a visit. The toilets are not a facility but a hazard.
Unclean bathrooms causing health issues for people in Chennai’s Otteri.
Despite the nauseating stink and buzzing flies, Esther, a grandmother of two at Thideer Nagar, couldn’t help being sarcastic. “The government must promote these toilets as obstacle courses. The floors are so slippery. We’d win medals just for still surviving after a visit,” she guffawed.
Another elderly resident, Mala, did not find Esther humorous because she visits the toilet with a prayer. “I’ve fallen twice already. Every time I step in, I pray that I come out with all bones intact,” she said.
The Indian-style toilets are a far cry from being elderly-friendly. Each visit hurts Muthulakshmi’s (name changed on request) knees. “I’ve fallen countless times, and sustained injuries. I can’t keep living like this—something has to change.”
Muthulakshmi is not the only one hoping for a change. The entire locality has been praying for a drastic shift in their living conditions.
Even if the residents find alternatives to relieve themselves, there is no escaping the ill-maintained toilets.
Come monsoon, the rainwater takes toilet waste to the homes. Snakes, insects, and diseases follow.
“The water rises rapidly when it rains,” Rani (name changed) of SS Puram told South First. “We are then forced to live in putrid waters,” she further outlined their plight.
Vishal, a transgender resident of Thideer Nagar, could not hold back his anger. “It’s nothing but politics—empty promises made over several decades. Generations have been suffering the neglect. We are forced to beg for basic human necessities. Aren’t we humans?”
No one has so far answered him.
Unclean bathrooms causing health issues for people in Chennai’s Otteri.
The residents claimed they have repeatedly complained about the lack of proper sanitisation — and authorities have a readymade answer.
Kalairasi of Thideer Nagar said they were told to defecate in the open whenever a complaint was raised. “We’re told to manage in the open space,” she said.
The “solution”, however, has put girls in dire straits. “Managing their periods is a nightmare,” Mary, another resident, said. : With no proper toilets, clean water, and scant privacy, they have to suffer in silence, and often suffer from infections.”
Kalairasi said most residents, barring a few living at the beginning of the street, have no garbage disposal system. “The first few houses in our street get the garbage collected,” she explained. “The rest of us are left to fend for ourselves. The authorities treat us like we’re invisible.”
Election time brings with it the now-familiar set of promises. Beaming politicians walk the streets, nodding at anyone they come across, and making promises.
“Every five years, they show up like clockwork,” a resident Esther said. “They say the same things, and we keep falling for it because we’re desperate for change.”
But this time, residents are starting to question the system. “If they can’t even fix our toilets, why should we believe they’ll fix anything else?” Mala asked.
Social activist Divakar N said the government should invest in infrastructure — drainage systems, toilets, and garbage management.
Unclean bathrooms causing health issues for people in Chennai’s Otteri.
The unhygienic conditions have turned these neighbourhoods into breeding grounds for diseases. Malaria, dengue, and skin infections are rampant, and healthcare access is a luxury that many can’t afford.
“I developed rashes due to the dirty water. The toilet floors are wet and contaminated. It’s not just unhygienic—it’s dangerous,” Vishal said.
Another resident Kanika said her family spent their entire savings treating her husband, who had developed an infection.
The residents of Thideer Nagar and SS Puram are no longer willing to suffer in silence. They are demanding immediate action from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and political leaders. Their demands include:
Unclean bathrooms causing health issues for people in Chennai’s Otteri.
Meanwhile, GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran told South First that the corporation promptly addresses issues if they are brought to its notice.
“As the GCC Commissioner, I assure you that toilets will be fixed wherever required. If such issues are brought to our notice, we act immediately to address them. For temporary solutions, we provide quick fixes, and for permanent structures, it usually takes about 2 to 3 months to construct and make them operational,” he said.
He also urged people to notify their grievances to the corporation so that they get addressed in a timely manner.
“While managing the current challenges, we are doing our best to ensure basic facilities are accessible to all. I urge everyone to notify us about such concerns so that we can provide prompt assistance and improve the situation efficiently,” said Kumaragurubaran.
“We have definite plans to help improve the conditions in Thideer Nagar, Otteri and I’ve personally visited the area to assess the situation,” GCC Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) Praveen Kumar told South First.
“We have officially written to the government twice, requesting approval to relocate the residents to a better and safer location. However, the people of the area have made it clear that they do not wish to move, as they have lived their entire lives there and feel deeply connected to this place. They requested to make changes and improvements in their current locality,” he said.
“Respecting their sentiments, we are working on bringing in two sanctions for public convenience and changes are being planned to improve their living conditions right where they are,” Kumar added.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
