Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) is currently one of the primary focuses of India’s urban waste management system. According to a report by the NITI Aayog, over 700 Indian cities and towns are in various stages of implementing FSSM as of 2021. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the topic, highlighting vital elements such as the current state of India’s sewage treatment plants, associated challenges, promising initiatives, and potential pathways forward.
Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM): An Overview
In 2017, India took a strong stand on the sanitation issue, becoming one of the first countries ever to announce a national policy on FSSM. The decision highlighted the nation’s commitment to managing the waste stream with the highest potential for spreading diseases – human excreta. FSSM emphasises the safe collection, transportation, treatment, and reuse of human waste. As a low-cost and easily scalable solution, it is seen as a reliable way to achieve SDG target 6.2, which calls for adequate and inclusive sanitation for all.
India’s Proactive Initiatives Towards FSSM
The country’s dedication towards FSSM shines through several initiatives. The launch of Open Defecation-Free (ODF) + and ODF++ protocols, the emphasis on FSSM in Swachh Survekshan, and the financial allocations for FSSM across Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) missions, all underline India’s commitment towards this cause.
Assessing The Capacity of India’s Sewage Treatment Plants
As per a recent Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report, only slightly more than a third of the daily generated sewage is treated by India’s Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). As of now, India generates 72,368 MLD (million litres per day) of sewage, whereas STPs have an installed capacity of just 31,841 MLD (43.9%). Notably, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka account for 60% of the total installed treatment capacity in the country.
Challenges Faced by Solid Waste Management
Several hurdles currently plague the landscape of solid waste management in India. These include the absence of segregation at source, insufficient funds at Urban Local Bodies (ULB), inadequate technical expertise and institutional arrangement, hesitance of ULBs to introduce proper systems, ignorance of citizens due to lack of awareness, and limited community participation towards waste management and hygiene.
The Way Forward: Utilising The FSSM Alliance
The National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance has been a significant catalyst in the FSSM sector in India. It serves as a crucial resource and platform for state and city officials. For sustainable and quality implementation, it is recommended that states and cities undertake capacity building, quality assurance, quality control, and monitoring. Furthermore, it is essential to institutionalize these efforts while keeping the most vulnerable and underserved communities—women and urban poor—at the center of these initiatives. This will not only help India wipe out open defecation but will also place the country as a world leader in safely managed holistic sanitation.
