That the lack of proper public toilets is a big issue in this city has been quite well known for some time now. It was thus gladdening to see senior leaders like Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and Shaina NC talk about the pressing need to build more public toilets and keep them well maintained.

But just when it looked like various agencies were taking up sanitation as a serious issue under political pressure, come the first worrying signs that authorities may be paying mere lip service when it comes to the issue.