Defunct, dirty toilets spoil Rameswaram’s image

The public convenience system in Rameswaram is completely out of order. Either they are closed or lack hygiene adding to the woes of the devotees visiting the island.

Tourists complain that owing to the bad condition of the facility many forced to use open spaces. Jeeva, who was part of a group from Madurai, said since there were no toilets anywhere in the vicinity of the temple many devotees used ‘less visited corners’ or abandoned spaces close to the northern side of the temple to answer nature’s call.  Vijay, another devotee, lamented that most of the toilets were dysfunctional or not maintained properly and raise a stink. 

“One of the key reasons for people to avoid even the existing toilets is the lack of water supply. So, the devotees have no other option but to rely on paid and well-maintained toilets run by private parties,” Vijay added. 

Saravanan, a Hindu Munnani functionary, said that though the Centre launched several campaigns like ‘Cleaner Rameswaram’ and included the area under the Amrut cities, there was no effort on the part of neither the state government or the local administration to improve the image of the town. 

Out of the allocation of Rs 13.75 crore to improve tourism and a portion of it was used to construct toilets. But many of them still remain under lock and key. ‘Namma Toilets’ that were constructed at the bus stand nearly a year ago, is a case in point. Jayaraman, the Municipal Commissioner, said that effective measuers will be soon be taken to improve the facility. 

“Some of the toilets are under lock and key as tenders have not been finalised,” he opined. Similarly, toilets on the Sangumal beach do not have a proper water supply forcing people to use sea water. Hence if Rameswaram has to be developed into a good tourist spot adequate toilet facilities should be setup by, pointed out Saravanan.