Smart toilet in Civil Lines: Not so smart after all...

Staff Reporter :

 

Though touted as Smart Public Toilet, the one constructed off Walkers’ Street in pristine Civil Lines by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) does not seem to be as stated. An analysis of the structure done by students pursuing course of Architecture reveals several shortcomings in the toilet, right from the ventilation to use of material by the contractor engaged by the civic body. About five students have published their work titled ‘Architectural Audit of Smart Public Toilet’ and they analysed it on 19 points, wherein they also commented that some additions done later seem to be an after thought (on part of the planners). In their audit, the would-be Architects’ study underscores lack of thought on part of planners to minute details in such important public project. For example, the all important aspect as to ventilation reveals that its size is quite smaller than what is generally recommended in such closed places.

 

Due to same, those using the public toilet might be hit by foul smell as the air circulation inside gets affected. Also, just two months before, the toilet was inaugurated and already glass on one of side has gone missing. Also, the wash basin installed is not as per the standard and same was added in a hurry to make-up for the shortfall. Here too the contractor has gone for savings and used flexible pipe instead of bottle trap as same reduces functionality, indicating poor plumbing practice. Similarly, in shocking apathy, the electric meter box that is affixed to the building is exposed to harsh weather, when the practice is that same should be enclosed. Further, the Aluminium facade put-up to make-up for inadequate ventilation showcases critical shortcoming of designing.

 

The same done as an after thought, which is apparent lack of pre-planning for ventilation. Most of all the tiles used at the toilet are slippery, whereas in market these day anti-slippery tiles are abundantly available and still it seems NMC has gone for cost cutting here too. The study says, these tiles pose risk to users as one can fall as in case they are wet. Most importantly, NMC should overlook such crucial safety issue is quite surprising. Also, the students noticed that overhead water tank was overflowing which points out to poor maintenance of faulty valve. Additionally, the students noticed that waste and soil pipes were unsealed which poses health hazard in case of leakage. Such lapses at such pristine place is nothing but sloppy work on part of NMC. About mirror lighting, it was found excessive in women's area and poor in men's area and emergency bells though present in toilet, same should also be included in bathing area, they felt. Similarly, the usage of nahani trap instead of gully trap in urinal and AC pipe in male toilet in future could cause issue of choking. The study was conducted by Saniya Bijwe, Srishti Jain, Ananya Jain, Mahima Agrawal and Swamini Dayyamwar under guidance of Gurunath Modak, Dr Anuradha Bhute and Mrinmayee Tiwari.