Oh shit, what a price tag!

Crap doesn't come cheap anymore. A public lavatory in Anand Vihar is charging Rs 20 for a poop session that actually costs Rs 5. MiD DAY was bowel-ed over!

Crap doesn't come cheap anymore. A public lavatory in Anand Vihar is charging Rs 20 for a poop session that actually costs Rs 5. MiD DAY was bowel-ed over!

Pressure does take its toll, and it's not just about the workplace. A one-of-its-kind experience, for instance, awaits you at the Anand Vihar Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), where the attendants make sure you cough up anything between Rs 20 to 50 for a trip to the toilet. The local goons make sure there's no way your potty's priced at the real rate of Rs 5. That's faeces with some fee!


The Anand Vihar ISBT public lavatory that has become a business
proposition for local goons. pic/Imtiyaz Khan

On Wednesday, MiD DAY received a complaint from Anand Kumar, a user, who alleged that he was forced into paying up the extra amount, and had no option but to give in, owing to the heat of the moment. "The local boy operating the toilet refused to hear anything, even though I could clearly read the rule on the board - 'Sauchalay, bathroom (nahana) Rs 5'.

This is a common practice at the terminus, say regulars. "There are three to four public toilets operating here, and they're all doing the same thing. They refuse to accept the price fixed by the government. There's often a brawl over the issue, but what can you do in such a sticky situation," he laments.

When MiD DAY visited one of these establishments, a similar story awaited. Christened 'Deluxe Toliet,' it stood for everything that was not what it was called - broken bathtubs, dilapidated walls and two-piece commodes. Though the writing on the wall clearly said overcharging is a punishable offence, most people who walked in were doling out Rs 15 to 20, albeit with anger.

Below this note, there was a landline number (22148097), apparently for registering complaints. It further read, 'Shikayat poostika counter no 40 par sthit poochtach kendra par uplabdh hai' (The complaint register is available at inquiry counter number 40)

When MiD DAY visited the above-mentioned chamber, the official in-charge refused to provide us with the register, asking to solve the issue amicably. He also refused to reveal his name, and summoned the local toilet supervisor. However, after persistent demands, the supervisor called four local boys, and started threatening.

u00a0"We have to pay Rs 50 daily to the boy sitting at the counter, apart from the money we pay to the contractor. If we don't get it from the commuters, we can't run the toilets!" explained Gopal, the supervisor, aggressively.

On disclosing our identity, however, the complaint-book was duly handed over, and it reeked of similar grievances. The contractor refused to comment.

The police isn't ignorant about the problem. "This is a common practice at the terminus. We have tried to stop them from our end, but couldn't take any strict action as we haven't received any complaint. When people go to file one, they either return their money or refuse to give them the book. In case a complaint is registered, the contractor has to pay a fine of Rs 1,000," said a police official from Anand Vihar ISBT Police Chowki.

When MiD DAY contacted A K Batra, Anand Vihar ISBT in-charge, he was livid. "Action will be taken against the contractor and he will be fined Rs 1,000. We are not going to tolerate any such unscrupulous practice, as the toilet has been created for people's convenience."

Senior transport officials, however, say such extortion is commonplace in the capital. "These men misbehave with hundreds of people daily, and extort money. They know that toilet users at ISBT are travelers, and don't have any other option. And they avoid allowing anyone to register a complaint. If someone does it, they start misbehaving, manhandling and using obscenities.

And though the number of people cheated is humungous, only 10-15 complaints are registered monthly. This

Red litter day

Last year, Delhi launched a campaign to discourage urinating in public places keeping in mind the approaching Commonwealth Games, slated in October. Large billboards along its gridlocked roads, and on buses, are splashed with embarrassing signs to put an end to the practice. Three characters have been employed to drive the message across: Mr Thu-Thu Kumar (the spitter), Mr Kuda Kumar (the litterbug) and Mr Su-Su Kumar (the person who pees in public). According to the ministry of rural development, India must build 1,12,000 toilets every day if it wants to meet its sanitation goal by 2012. The government estimates that less than 30 percent of villagers have access to latrines, which poses serious health risks.

happens at ISBT Kashmere Gate, too. The use of public lavatory should be free, and the money for its maintenance should be generated from ad revenue," said a transport official on condition of anonymity.

He also added that most operators indulging in such unethical have criminal cases against them, and are very often booked and jailed, but scot-free after a few days. "If someone witnesses or experiences such extortion, they should call the closest PCR van immediately."

Delhi Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely has a bigger issue on his mind, and promises that the miscreants will be brought to book as soon as possible. "Now that it's come to our notice, we will take strictest action against the contractor. The city is hosting Commonwealth Games later this year, and any such incident or practice would dent our city's image. They will be sternly dealt with," he said. Till that control comes into action, the only other is in your hands!

1,12,000 toilets Number of toilets that India should make by 2012 to achieve sanitation goals
Rs 1,000 Amount of fine that the authorities threaten to levy on the contractor