Restaurants In South Delhi To Open Their Toilets To The Public For Rs.5

Raise your hand if you’ve ever happened to you that you’ve gone out shopping – or just window shopping even – and felt the urgent need to go to the loo, only to be disappointed by the shortage of public washrooms in the vicinity? Now, if both your arms are stretched out in the air, there’s some great news for you! Starting April 1, all South Delhi restaurants will let you use their washrooms for Rs.5.

That’s right, you don’t have to be eating at that restauarnts. All you have to do is walk in and ask for the washroom and do your business for a paltry amount of money. The orders were issued directly by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) on Tuesday to all hotels, restaurants and eateries in its jurisdiction to make their washrooms accessible to the public from April 1.

The suggestion to make restaurant washrooms available to the public was given by lieutenant governor Anil Baijal. “We want the hotels and restaurants to adhere to the decision in full spirit rather than wait for the SDMC to enforce it,” said SDMC commissioner Puneet Goel.

 “The hotels and restaurants will also need to put up display boards informing the public about the facilities. The managements of these restaurants have been given the discretion to charge up to ~5 per usage to cover their costs towards maintenance and cleaning,” said the corporation official.

Over 4,500 restaurants in the area – including those in hotels – that have been issued health trade licenses by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation will adhere to the new guidelines. “These outlets also comprise 600 roadside eateries. However, we assume, they don’t have the provision for washrooms so, the decision doesn’t apply to them,” the official said.

There are 580 public urinals and 480 toilets in South Delhi. Out of 480, women can use only 140. These include toilets in Lajpat Nagar, Green Park, Safdarjung Development Area, Rajouri Garden, Bhikaji Cama Place and Nehru place, reports Hindustan Times.

Image: Shop Khoj

 According to officials, this new rule will be a big relief for women who suffer due to lack of public toilets. And while most are applauding the SDMC for this move, there are a few aren’t too excited and have argued that it might bring down the quality of the said restaurants. What do you think? Is this a good decision by the SDMC? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Feature Image: whatsuplife