Kozhikode: Efforts to improve public sanitation in Kozhikode have yielded notable results, moving away from the era of poorly maintained, foul-smelling public toilets. A survey conducted under the ‘Toilet Speaks’ campaign, organised by the Kozhikode District Sanitation Mission in collaboration with the National Service Scheme, highlighted major progress.

As part of the World Toilet Day celebrations, a detailed evaluation was conducted in 1,211 public toilets across 14 major cities. The assessment covered toilet facilities at bus stands, railway stations, hospitals, schools, hotels, banks, and shopping malls.

Around 600 students from 15 colleges participated in the survey, offering valuable insights into sanitation levels. The survey divided toilets into two categories:

  • Government-run facilities: This included 134 toilets in government hospitals, schools, and offices.
  • Private establishments: A total of 1,078 toilets were assessed in private institutions such as aided schools, hotels, banks, and private hospitals.

Evaluations were based on the Union Government’s Open Defecation Free (ODF)-based protocol matrix, assessing 12 parameters. Key criteria included water availability, presence of buckets, cups, soap, handwash, functioning doors, proper lighting, waste collection baskets, and odour-free environments.

Results and challenges
The results showed marked improvement in sanitation across both categories in Kozhikode city. Over 90% of facilities provided water, buckets, and cups, while functioning doors were available in most toilets. Notably, 80% of respondents reported that toilets were odour-free and well-maintained. Toilets with dedicated sanitation workers achieved cleanliness levels exceeding 90%.

Improved facilities, including those under the "Take a Break" initiative, are being widely used by Sabarimala pilgrims, the general public, and autorickshaw drivers.

Despite the progress, the audit identified areas for improvement, such as constructing soak pits, installing awareness boards, and providing sanitary waste collection baskets. The district sanitation mission coordinator assured timely interventions to address these issues and maintain high sanitation standards.