A modern system where sanitation is still old
Tiruchi Corporation has begun adopting a Quick Response (QR) code system for the public to report dirty public restrooms in the city in an effort to raise its overall rating for 2023 for the Swachh Survekshan, an annual survey of cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation in villages, cities, and towns across India.
According to this article, in the national Swachh Survekshan rating for 2022, Tiruchi Corporation was demoted to number 262 as a result of maintenance issues with public restrooms.
A QR code has been put at the restrooms to allow people to examine their sanitation and hygiene levels on five factors and to support the rating. The facility’s users can provide feedback by scanning the QR code that is attached in front of the restrooms.
A corporation official stated that all 403 urinals, public restrooms, and community restrooms in the city that are either maintained directly by the civic body or through contractors would have the QR code attached.
A page containing details about the restroom and its location opens after scanning the QR code. Then the cleanliness and functionality of the restroom could be the subject of complaints or suggestions. Therefore, users are also required to rate the five parameters at restroom complexes, such as whether there is access to electricity, water, soap, and feminine products. Moreover, users can post pictures of the restroom in addition to leaving feedback.
The data gathered from the population will be reviewed and sent to the officials so they could take the proper action. The unified feedback system would assist administrators in keeping an eye on the restrooms and ensuring that users receive better services. To provide that, the civic organization hopes to respond to the complaints within an hour.
So the new system is more effective than the old one because previously, complaints were made in a book kept at the facility, which would take time to reach the relevant people.
“Inspecting all the toilets is challenging. So, by encouraging people to review their experience, we can constantly monitor the maintenance and ensure the upkeep of the facilities”, said a sanitary inspector.
Residents have praised this project and found the online platform to be useful for providing comments on the state of the public restrooms and the amenities provided there.
