Source: The post Improving faecal sludge management in India has been created, based on the article “Review the treatment” published in “Down to Earth” on 11th January 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Context: The article discusses challenges in managing faecal sludge and wastewater in India. It highlights design flaws in treatment plants, especially in Uttar Pradesh, and suggests cost-effective, climate-specific solutions for better sludge management, co-treatment processes, and waste disposal in towns and cities.
For detailed information on Sanitation In India read this article here
What is the Current State of Faecal Sludge Management in India?
- Since the National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Policy was introduced in 2017, India has made significant strides in managing faecal sludge.
- The first faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) was established in Devanahalli, Karnataka.
- Currently, over 1,500 FSTPs are operational across the country, primarily using decentralized and nature-based treatment methods.
How is Uttar Pradesh Addressing Faecal Sludge Management?
- Uttar Pradesh began implementing faecal sludge management in 2018, constructing FSTPs in cities like Jhansi as part of the Namami Gange programme.
- By 2019, the state planned to build 54 FSTPs under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). As of now, there are 59 treatment plants across 56 cities in the state.
What Are the Design Flaws in Uttar Pradesh’s FSTPs?
The FSTPs in Uttar Pradesh have faced several design issues:
- Uniform Capacity: All FSTPs under the AMRUT mission were built with a capacity of 32 kilolitres per day, which does not suit the varied population sizes and sludge volumes in different cities. This has led to inefficiencies, with some plants being underutilised and others overwhelmed.
- Redundant Features: Many plants have unnecessary features, like both screw press machines and unplanted drying beds for dewatering, leading to higher capital and operational costs. For example, in Jhansi, where natural drying would be sufficient due to the dry climate, the use of mechanical presses is unnecessary.
- Over-Engineered Co-Treatment Facilities: Some co-treatment plants include secondary treatment modules that duplicate processes already happening in sewage treatment plants, adding unnecessary complexity and cost.
How Can These Issues Be Resolved?
To avoid past mistakes, treatment plants should be designed with the following considerations:
- Climate and Sludge Characteristics: In arid regions, natural drying beds may be sufficient, while more humid or cold areas might need mechanical dewatering.
- Scalability: Start with smaller-capacity plants that can be expanded as necessary, which is particularly useful for small and medium towns.
- Simplified Co-Treatment: Focus on dewatering septage without secondary treatment of liquid waste to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Question for practice:
Discuss the design flaws in faecal sludge treatment plants in Uttar Pradesh and the proposed solutions to address them.
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