Kasimedu Harbour Users Charged ₹10 a Bucket as Toilet Woes Persist

Fishermen and visitors at the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai are being forced to pay ₹10 for a bucket of water to use a washroom that has remained in a dilapidated condition for more than five years.

The lack of basic sanitation amenities has become a severe issue at the bustling market, which draws more than 10,000 visitors on weekends.

The existing toilet block is more than a decade old and houses two toilets, but only one is currently kept open for fishermen and customers. The facility suffers from a lack of regular maintenance and does not have an adequate water supply.

Fishermen noted that the situation becomes particularly acute during weekends and holidays when the market is crowded. The motor responsible for pumping water to the toilet block has been broken for years, forcing people to purchase water.

"The motor pumping water to the toilet has remained unrepaired for years. We are charged ₹10 for a bucket and have no choice but to pay," said K Swarnam, a fish vendor at the harbour.

Because the harbour falls under the jurisdiction of the Chennai Port Authority, users stated that they have little clarity on where to direct complaints regarding sanitation and water supply. Vendors and visitors have demanded that the authorities either repair the existing infrastructure or build a new toilet block with uninterrupted water supply and proper maintenance.