TOILETS OF MADRAS: A SCATOLOGICAL PAST

Grand edifices, stories of leaders and rulers, old ruins are all very well. But, what about the history of everyday services? Public transport, water supply, electricity, drainage and above all, what are known as 'public conveniences' so that people don’t commit 'public nuisance'?

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The above, particularly the last named, has been a topic that I frequently ponder over. And about sources of information, there are very few.

All of this came to me when representatives of the NGO WASHlab (Water Sanitation And Hygiene) met me. Through June and early July, they are planning to conduct a toilet festival in Chennai city and wanted me to lead a walk in connection with it. I realise I am up against a wall (oh God, I did not mean it that way) but have anyway decided to take up the challenge. And so, on June 14, at 6 a.m., I will be doing a walk titled 'The S***t History of Madras'. I don't know if I can do justice to the topic but let us see what emerges (no, no pun intended).