Come next year, a trip to a public convenience complex near you will be rather different — and less nasally hostile.
Launching an all-out war against the stinking urinary culture of the city, the government has decided to replace its existing toilet blocks with toilet-cum-coffee complexes. What’s more — you’ll be able to buy flowers here, too. Most Delhiites were impressed, “I think this step has been long over-due,” said Sakshi Jain, a CA Student.
“The existing Sulabh Toilet Complexes have done surprisingly well, given the lack of public etiquette that the city suffers from. Considering these new toilets are swankier — it’s definitely a leap forward.”
Ashish Choudhary, a motor part retailer in Connaught Place said, “With the toilet blocks behind most of the commercial plots here being either defunct or too unhygienic - these new ones will be a better alternative.”
“Given the shopping hub that Karol Bagh is, we definitely need them here,” said Rohit Khanna, a restaurant owner at Karol Bagh. Many, however, felt that the toilet-cum-coffee combo was a weird one, “Over-hauling the public convenience infrastructure is a logical thing; but what’s with the flowers and coffee,” asked Pinak Mishra, from DU.
“It certainly sounds inviting, but I don’t think they’ll be selling many flowers here; or even coffee, for that matter,” said Ankit Garg, a shopkeeper at Chawri Bazar. “They should have paan kiosks instead,” he added. The cynics, nevertheless, had their own take on the matter. Rakesh Ranjan, an IT Professional, said, “Like the proverbial horse, you can take the Delhiite to the well, but you can’t make him drink (coffee in this case) or pee.” Looking at past records, he may just have a point.
“It certainly sounds inviting, but I don’t think they’ll be selling many flowers here; or even coffee, for that matter,” said Ankit Garg, a shopkeeper at Chawri Bazar. “They should have paan kiosks instead,” he added. The cynics, nevertheless, had their own take on the matter. Rakesh Ranjan, an IT Professional, said, “Like the proverbial horse, you can take the Delhiite to the well, but you can’t make him drink (coffee in this case) or pee.” Looking at past records, he may just have a point.