QR code facility in e-toilets finds no takers in Chennai

Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) launched the QR code system in e-toilets with an aim to address issues related to non-functional toilets and to improvise on the sanitation standards. But even after few months of its inception, only 50 users have reported on ill-maintained toilets due to lack of awareness about the direct complaint system through QR codes.

GCC, in collaboration with Eram Scientific Solutions, installed the QR code facility in 221 e-toilets in the city to ease the process of registering grievances on ill maintained toilets. The unique QR code provided inside and outside the toilets can be scanned by any smart phone user, redirecting him/her to a complaint portal.

Reporting about the issue can help the field engineers resolve and improve the facilities within 12 hours after being alerted to the problem. But with no takers for the facility, never ending woes of the public continues.

“People refrain from using toilets if it is not cleaned or maintained properly, but people should report all such issues QR codes to improve the facilities. People can also provide feedback on a particular e-toilet and help to provide transparency in the civic facilities provided to the public,” said S. Narayanaswami, project director of e-toilets, Chennai. 

Though GCC aims to install 1575 more automated and unmanned toilets in the city, issues regarding broken doors, blocked drains and lack of water facility irk the public. Lack of awareness among people on using the QR code facilities and help line numbers to report the problems has added to the misery.

“I have been writing complaint letters to chief minister's grievances cell regarding non-functional or ill maintained toilets, as I was unaware of any mobile facility. We do not know how to use the facility and register our grievances,” said P. Vishwanathan, a resident of North Chennai.

When contacted the corporation officials on measures taken to sensitise about the QR code complaint facility, the officials said that suppliers and manufacturers had undertaken awareness programs. “Currently, we are analysing the response on QR complaint facility and if needed, we will undertake an awareness campaign to inform people about the new provision,” the official said.

10 e-toilets to be installed at Chennai airport
In order to provide adequate toilets at Chennai airport, Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to install 10 e-toilets in airport premises. AAI Chairman Guruprasd Mohapatra recently inaugurated two e-toilets that were installed near the parking area at the airport.

“The 10 e-toilets will be located at various points in the parking area, as per the convenience of the visitors and metro rail passengers also. The woes of commuters regarding inadequate toilets in airport premises can be addressed with this move,” an AAI official said.