KOCHI: The lack of toilets in the coastal heritage Kochi, which is the Carnival celebration area, is a problem for the people and the tourists. Despite constant demands by tourism agencies and environmental organizations for more than a decade, the government authorities continue to neglect infrastructure development.

The number of public toilets in Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, Mundamveli and Thoppumpady areas within a radius of six kilometers is only seven. As cleanliness in these places is marginal, people are looking for other places to do their business. People's organizations point out that within the last three years, about seven announcements were made by the former Minister of Tourism and the current Minister of Tourism and Public Works regarding the construction of toilets.

There is no decision regarding the provision of better toilet facilities in any projects, even when development and beautification projects worth crores like smart city, tourism development, urban beautification, and beach beautification are being prepared.

Fort Kochi is a tourist centre that attracts more than three lakh foreign tourists and more than ten lakh local tourists every year. Besides, Kochi is also a city of celebrations like Onam, Carnival, Biennale etc. which are attended by lakhs of people at the same time.

With only a few days left for the New Year celebrations, public organizations are demanding toilet facilities.