Kerala has made significant progress in providing toilet facilities to households, but access to public toilets remains a major concern in many parts of the state. For people travelling outside their homes, finding a toilet that is open, clean, safe and usable can still be difficult.
The problem becomes more serious in busy public places such as bus stands, railway stations, markets, tourist destinations and roadside areas. A toilet may exist at a location, but it may not always be open or properly maintained when people need to use it.
Women travelling alone can face particular difficulties when suitable facilities are unavailable. Elderly people and children may also find it difficult to wait for long periods without access to a nearby toilet.
Delivery workers, drivers and other people who spend several hours on the road also depend on public facilities. Tourists visiting Kerala’s towns and tourist destinations may face similar problems, especially when travelling through areas where public toilets are limited.
People with disabilities can face additional challenges if toilets do not have ramps, accessible entrances, sufficient space or suitable facilities. A toilet that is technically available may therefore still be difficult or impossible for some people to use.
The lack of reliable public toilets can cause more than inconvenience. People may be forced to avoid using the toilet for long periods, which can lead to discomfort and other health concerns. In some situations, people may also have to search for isolated locations, creating additional safety concerns.
Cleanliness and maintenance are another important part of the problem. Toilets need regular cleaning, water supply, lighting, waste management and proper upkeep. Without these basic services, people may avoid using public toilets even when they are available.
A standard operating procedure, or SOP, could help address some of these issues. A common set of rules could establish clear responsibilities for opening hours, cleaning schedules, maintenance, water supply, lighting, accessibility and regular inspections.
Such a system could also help authorities identify toilets that are not functioning properly and ensure that complaints are addressed quickly. Clear information about the location and availability of public toilets could further help residents and visitors.
For a state that attracts large numbers of tourists and has a highly mobile population, dependable public sanitation facilities are an important part of public infrastructure. Ensuring that toilets are available when and where people need them would improve convenience, dignity and safety for a wide range of people.
Kerala’s progress in household sanitation shows that improvements are possible. The next step could be to make public toilets equally reliable, accessible and well maintained so that people can use them safely whenever they are away from home.