Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, June 02: The grand pronouncements from the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council about transforming our city into a “Smart City” and attracting lakhs of tourists ring hollow when confronted with the deplorable state of basic amenities. While ambitious plans are touted for economic growth and a tourism boom, the ground reality for visitors paints a starkly different, and frankly, embarrassing picture.
A prime example of this glaring disconnect is the public toilet block strategically placed at Flag Point, a site visited by thousands of tourists every single month. This location, a key attraction offering panoramic views and a vital stop for visitors, is intended to serve their convenience. Yet, to the utter dismay and discomfort of these tourists, the facility is in such a disgraceful state that it leaves them in a truly “deep soup,” as many have expressed.
The issues are not merely cosmetic; they are fundamental assaults on basic human dignity and hygiene. The toilet block, for instance, lacks a functional door, let alone a lock. This means any individual attempting to answer nature’s call is afforded absolutely no privacy, a shocking oversight in any public facility, let alone one catering to international and domestic visitors. Adding to this profound lack of privacy, the entire block is terribly dirty and emits a pervasive, foul stench. It appears to have been neglected for weeks, with no evidence of regular cleaning or maintenance.
Furthermore, the facility, which once boasted essential features, is now a hazard. The exhaust fan, crucial for ventilation in a humid tropical climate, is non-functional. The electrical board is completely exposed and damaged, raising serious safety concerns. Given that the toilet block’s structure is made of steel, there is a very real and alarming risk of electric shock due to a short circuit, putting unsuspecting users in grave danger. The overall state of disrepair is so severe that surfaces are too filthy to touch, making the entire experience of visiting this supposed convenience a truly horrible one. Adding to that there is no Tissue Paper inside the toilet block.
If this is the kind of impression tourists carry back from Sri Vijaya Puram, it directly undermines any efforts to develop the Andaman Islands as a premier tourist destination. Word-of-mouth, especially negative experiences, travels fast and can severely damage the region’s reputation and economy.
It is perplexing and deeply concerning that the Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council, which boasts “hundreds and hundreds of staff,” seems to have no mechanism or personnel dedicated to regularly visiting or checking the condition of such critical public infrastructure. These facilities are meant to be used by human beings, in this case, the very tourists who are vital to the economic sustenance of the Andaman Islands. The apparent lack of oversight is not just an administrative failure; it is a failure of civic responsibility.
There is an urgent and undeniable need for immediate action. The current toilet block at Flag Point must be replaced without delay. New, functional, and well-maintained toilet blocks equipped with proper doors, locks, working ventilation, safe electrical systems, and regular cleaning schedules are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity. Investing in such basic amenities is not just about tourist convenience; it is about upholding public health, safety, and the image of Sri Vijaya Puram as a city truly committed to its “Smart City” aspirations and its role as a welcoming gateway to the beautiful Andaman Islands. The time for grand pronouncements is over; the time for tangible improvements is now.
