Delhi in discomfort: The unbearable state of city’s public toilets

- January 20, 2025
| By : Saurav Gupta |

Public toilets in Delhi are in a dire state, with many being locked, filthy, unsafe, and unusable, especially for women, leading to health concerns

Handicap section of the public toilet remains locked at several places in South Delhi

For Delhi’s residents, public toilets are not a convenience but a daily challenge. Across Delhi, these facilities are often locked, poorly maintained, or so unsanitary that many prefer to avoid them altogether. For women, the problem is even more acute, as the lack of functional toilets leaves them with no options, forcing them to endure physical discomfort and indignity.

An investigation into Delhi’s sanitation

To understand the gravity of the issue, Patriot visited public toilets and urinals across East, West, South, and Central Delhi, focusing on facilities managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The results painted a grim picture. Most MCD-run toilets were in an appalling state, with broken fixtures, no running water, and a stench so overpowering that even entering them was a challenge. The unhygienic conditions left residents, particularly women, in a state of despair.

Public washroom is used for dumping garbage in Greater Kailash
Public washroom is used for dumping garbage in Greater Kailash

Facilities under the NDMC’s jurisdiction were relatively better maintained. While not perfect, these toilets were at least usable, offering a stark contrast to the situation in areas overseen by the MCD.

Locked out of dignity

“The public toilets are often locked when you need them the most. It’s so inconvenient and unsafe, especially for women,” said Anita Yadav, a resident of Vishwas Nagar.

“You have to wait for someone to come and unlock the door, and sometimes, by the time they do, the condition of the toilet is already unbearable. It’s humiliating,” Yadav added.

In Greater Kailash, the situation is no different.

“I’ve gone to use the public toilets several times, but they’re locked. You have to find someone to unlock them, and then when you finally get in, it’s dirty and there’s no water,” said Meera Sharma, a resident of the area.

“It’s frustrating, especially for women who have no other option but to rely on these toilets. It feels like our needs aren’t being considered,” Sharma added.

Women in these localities have been particularly vocal about the lack of clean and accessible toilets.

Urinals missing from a public toilet near ShadipurMetro Station
Urinals missing from a public toilet near Shadipur Metro Station

“It’s not just about the lack of water or cleanliness. The toilets themselves are in such a state of disrepair that I often choose to hold it in rather than use them,” said Ranjit Kaur, a resident of Ghari Village.

“When there is a toilet, it’s usually locked, and you have to ask for the key. By the time you get inside, it’s dirty, and there’s no water,” she added.

A stench of neglect in East Delhi

In Vishwas Nagar, East Delhi, residents describe the public toilets as an ongoing health crisis, citing filthy conditions, lack of water, and poor maintenance.

“It’s an absolute nightmare. The toilets are dirty, smelly, and there’s no water supply most of the time,” said Nisha Verma, a local resident.

“I avoid using them whenever I can, but sometimes there’s no choice. The conditions are appalling, and it’s a serious health risk. I’m worried about my children using these toilets,” she added.

The lack of water supply is a recurring issue, leaving residents to endure unsanitary conditions.

“Most of the time, there’s no water, and even when there is, it’s not enough to clean the place,” said Rakesh Kumar, a daily-wage worker who relies on public toilets during the day.

“The toilets are overcrowded, and the stench is unbearable. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s unsafe,” Kumar said. The challenges go beyond water shortages. The absence of regular cleaning and maintenance has exacerbated the problem.

“There is trash everywhere, and nobody comes to clean the toilets regularly,” said Aditya Aggarwal, another resident. “Sometimes, people are compelled to use the open urinals on the streets because the toilets are in such terrible condition. It’s a disgrace,” he added.

Open urinals are a source of significant discomfort for many. “Even the banners put up by local authorities to conceal these facilities have been torn down. It’s extremely uncomfortable to use them with people staring at you,” Aggarwal said. Praveen Singh, another resident, echoed these concerns.

“The open urinals are a major issue in this area. It’s unhygienic, and there’s no privacy. People relieve themselves in public spaces, and children often have to witness this. I don’t understand why the authorities can’t fix this problem,” he said.

The lack of basic amenities like handwashing stations has only worsened the situation.

“There’s no soap or water to wash your hands after using the toilet. It’s unhygienic, and it’s spreading disease,” said Vinod Kumar, a local shopkeeper.

“We’ve requested the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to improve the situation, but it seems like nobody listens to us,” Kumar added.

Wealthy postcodes, poor sanitation

Greater Kailash, a residential locality in South Delhi known for its higher socioeconomic demographics, faces the same sanitation woes plaguing other parts of the city. Public toilets in the area are described as dirty, poorly maintained, and often unusable.

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“The toilets in Greater Kailash are in terrible condition. We’re lucky if there’s water available. More often than not, they are dirty, and there’s a foul smell all around,” said Deepak Mehra, a local resident.

“It’s hard to believe that in a place like this, we have to deal with such basic issues,” Mehra added. Residents are increasingly frustrated with the lack of maintenance and attention.

“It’s embarrassing to invite guests over when there’s no proper sanitation. People just prefer to avoid using these toilets,” Mehra said. “It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious public health issue.”

Adding to the problem are open urinals scattered across the locality, which only worsen the unhygienic conditions.

“There’s no proper facility to relieve oneself privately, so people resort to using open urinals on the streets,” said Prateek Tiwari, another resident. “It’s not just unhygienic; it’s also dangerous. We need proper public toilets in every locality, not just the posh areas.”

Ghari village faces worse conditions

In Ghari Village, West Delhi, the situation is dire, with overcrowded public toilets and open urinals leaving residents to grapple with daily indignities.

“The toilets here are overcrowded, especially during the morning and evening hours. There’s no water, and people end up relieving themselves in public spaces,” said Ranjit Kaur, a local resident.

“We’ve complained many times, but nothing changes. The government needs to take responsibility for this,” Kaur said.

For families, the lack of privacy and cleanliness in public toilets is a major concern. “It’s difficult to raise children in such conditions,” said Pankaj Sharma, another resident.

“My children are exposed to these unhygienic public toilets daily, and there’s nothing I can do to protect them. The lack of sanitation facilities is impacting our health and quality of life.”

Shadipur, a locality in West Delhi, faces the same challenges as other parts of the city, with unhygienic public toilets and a lack of basic facilities. “There’s no water supply, and the toilets are poorly maintained,” said Shivam Sardana, a resident of Shadipur.

“We have to endure this every day. The open urinals around the area are a disgrace, and they make the whole neighbourhood smell foul,” he added.

Clean toilets aren’t a pipe dream

In stark contrast to the dire conditions in Vishwas Nagar, Greater Kailash, Ghari Village, and Shadipur, Connaught Place in Central Delhi boasts well-maintained public toilets that residents and visitors consistently praise.

“Public toilets in Connaught Place are in excellent condition. They are clean, well maintained, and there’s always enough water supply,” said Aman Verma, a shopkeeper in the area.

“The cleaning staff does a great job of keeping the toilets in pristine condition. It’s a model for how public sanitation should be in the rest of Delhi,” Verma added.

Mansi Sharma, a daily commuter to Connaught Place, echoed this sentiment. “I’ve never had a bad experience with public toilets here. They are regularly cleaned, and the facilities are modern and comfortable. I feel safe using them,” she said.

“If the government can manage this level of cleanliness in Connaught Place, they should replicate the same standards in other parts of Delhi,” Sharma said.

The upkeep of these toilets has also been recognised by local business owners. “Clean public toilets are an important part of maintaining the reputation of the area. Tourists and customers appreciate clean facilities, and that’s why we take good care of them,” said Sudhir Kumar, a Connaught Place restaurant owner.

“If other parts of the city are facing issues, the authorities should look into what works in this area and apply it elsewhere,” he added.

A call for action from residents

Residents of Vishwas Nagar, Greater Kailash, Ghari Village, and Shadipur are demanding urgent action to address the dismal state of public toilets in their neighbourhoods.

“We are not asking for luxury, just basic hygiene and proper sanitation,” said Nisha Verma, a resident of Vishwas Nagar.

“We want clean toilets with a constant water supply. It’s a matter of public health,” Verma added.

Residents have also called on the government to ensure regular cleaning of toilets and improved waste management systems.

“We need proper waste disposal and sanitation infrastructure. It’s a basic necessity,” said Rakesh Kumar.

“Why should residents of areas like Connaught Place get better facilities than those in other parts of the city? We are all taxpayers,” Kumar asserted.

MCD orders revamp of public toilets

In an effort to improve sanitation across the city, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has ordered the construction of new toilet blocks and the revamp of older ones. Currently, the city has 409 Community Toilet Complexes, 905 Public Toilets, and 1,621 Urinals in operation.

“The corporation is also expanding toilet coverage through the Build-OperateTransfer (BOT) system and comprehensive maintenance initiatives. Currently, 65 BOT toilets are operational in various locations under MCD jurisdiction, with work on 26 additional BOT toilets underway,” said a senior MCD official.

Women section of the public toilet remains locked at Ghari Village
Women section of the public toilet remains locked at Ghari Village

He further noted, “Last year, 10 BOT toilets were constructed and made operational for the general public. MCD has allocated Rs 18 crore for repairs and improvements across 12 zones. This multifaceted approach demonstrates our commitment to providing clean, safe, and accessible public toilets for Delhi’s residents and visitors.”

To enhance maintenance and monitoring, the MCD has launched several initiatives, including regular inspections, daily cleaning schedules, feedback collection through QR codes, and collaborations with NGOs and community organisations.

“The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is fully committed to ensuring better cleanliness and accessible public toilets for the general public,” the official added.