For 2 lakh devotees in Besant Nagar, only 2 toilets to share

CHENNAI: Ward 181, home to

Annai Velankanni Church

in

Besant Nagar

, was on June 1 declared open defecation free by Greater Chennai Corporation.

But a stroll along the beach on the morning after lakhs of Velankanni devotees utilise it to relieve themselves, like every year, would reveal how the corporation rushed its decision.

Around two lakh devotees descended on Besant Nagar on Tuesday, marking the start of the 10-day festivities. However, only two conventional toilets built by the corporation and another paid facility operated by the church on its campus are what they will have to depend on, raising questions over the

civic body’s commitment towards the upkeep of hygiene.

According to a zonal corporation official, when approached the church declined the civic body’s offer to put up more toilet units. "The church representatives felt that maintenance of mobile or portable toilets would be difficult considering the large number of devotees," the official said.

When contacted, church authorities refused to comment saying they were busy with the festivities. However, M Vedanayagam, former member of the church’s administrative committee, told TOI that the church had a bitter experience with mobile toilets last year. "It was a mess because of the repetitive use. The toilets inside the church will collect a nominal fee before letting devotees to use them. So hygiene will be maintained," he said.

This eventually leads to long queues outside the toilets and when nature calls, most head towards the beach. Conservancy workers who clean

Elliot

’s Beach said every year they have to deal with human waste. "Plastic is not the only concern. Thankfully, we are provided with gear to protect us from infection," said Thangaraj. Ramky Enviro Ltd, which handles conservancy work in the area, estimates around 30 tonnes of plastic waste will be dumped on the beach between Tuesday and Thursday. "By the time the feast ends, the tonnage will be higher," said a Ramky representative.

Environment activist Nityanand Jayaraman, a resident of the locality, said the corporation failed to ensure adequate toilet facilities. "By not providing these, the corporation has robbed the devotees of their dignity," he said.

On Tuesday evening, the steady stream of devotees affected traffic on several stretches. Police had posted 500 personnel, including home guards, on security detail besides installing 25 CCTV cameras. Eight watch towers have also been erected. According to police, 29 children who went missing in the crowd were reunited with their parents. Plainclothes policemen ensured that chain snatchers and pickpockets did not have a field day.

(With inputs from Sindu Kannan)