Hyderabad: Lack of urinal dividers at Inorbit Mall sparks debate on privacy, hygiene

The post quickly gained traction, sparking a debate on restroom design, hygiene, and social comfort. Some users sympathized, agreeing that urinal dividers provide much-needed personal space. Others shared similar encounters, with one commenter pointing out that their gym had dividers made of clear glass, defeating the purpose of privacy.

Hyderabad: Recently at Inorbit Mall, an unpleasant experience awaited one local shopper when he realized that the men’s restroom had no operates separating the individual urinals. The shopper shared his experience on Reddit while questioning the lack of privacy and further stressing the awkwardness of using an open row of urinals.

The post soon began trending, initiating a fairly heated debate on restroom design aspects, hygiene, and social comfort. Many sympathized with him, stating that urinal dividers offered separated personal space. Others recounted their experiences, while one said that dividers of the washroom in their gym were made of clear glass, which completely defeated the purpose of privacy.

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Another user said that these ‘splash dividers’ are mainly there to avoid accidental splashes rather than offer privacy. But this wasn’t accepted by large numbers of people, who further justified that urinal designs should find a balance between hygiene and personal comfort.

One of the commenters in a funny vein explained his assertion about angling the stream to avoid splashback, suggesting it was enough skill-worthy stuff for a TED Talk. Others pitched practical solutions such as reducing Google Reviews rating to grab management’s attention.

Wherever some pointed out that such a sight is quite common in witness countries, another user pointed out how unhygienic it is to put urinals next to washbasins. Another user mentioned a similar view at a Novotel hotel, where people either get used to it over time or just wait for the rest of the room to be empty.

This brings forth an urgent need for a better restroom design that considers both hygiene and user comfort.