In a recent response to the 2018-19 National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS), the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MoDWS) has stated that both septic tanks and single pits serve as effective sanitation technologies. According to the Ministry, these methods fall in line with the standards set by the Sustainable Development Goals. This statement came as a refutation of a NARSS report concerning the use of Septic Tanks throughout rural settings.
Findings from the National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19
The NARSS report for 2018-19 revealed that only 26% of toilets in rural areas utilize twin-leach pits. The report further suggested that rural toilets not using this method could potentially instigate a significant sanitation crisis. The lack of twin pit usage is a potential health and environmental risk, adding to the chances of a new generation being forced into manual scavenging. The report also highlighted that septic tanks appeared to be the most chosen solution; 28% of toilets were linked to a septic tank with a soak pit, while 6% were connected to a tank without a soak pit.
The Union Ministry’s Take on the Findings
Responding to the NARSS report, the Ministry clarified its stance that septic tanks and single pits are indeed safe sanitation technologies which conform to the standards outlined by the Sustainable Development Goals. The Ministry acknowledged the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the twin-leach pit toilet. This system is widely promoted and adopted due to its advantages. However, the task of emptying and cleaning such tanks presents a significant manpower challenge, given the country’s social context and caste prejudices against such work. The Ministry is currently developing technological and entrepreneurial solutions to address this issue.
About the National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19
The NARSS 2018-19 was carried out by an Independent Verification Agency, supported by a World Bank project dedicated to the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen).
| Survey | Conducted By | Supported By |
|---|---|---|
| NARSS 2018-19 | Independent Verification Agency | World Bank |
The Twin-pit and Single-pit System Explained
In the twin-pit system, two pits are dug with honeycombed walls and earthen floors allowing liquid to percolate into the surrounding soil. When one pit is filled, it is sealed, and waste flow is redirected to the second pit. This allows the waste in the first pit to convert into manure over a year or two. This sanitation method potentially circumvents issues such as caste purity as owners handle manure rather than excreta.
On the other hand, a single pit system presents immediate urgency to empty the excreta, which unlike in the twin-pit system, hasn’t had time to convert into manure. This presents a significant challenge, mainly due to the social context of the country.
