Divisional Level Training Programme: Faecal Sludge and Septage Management

Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) is a critical component of urban sanitation, particularly in towns where sewerage networks are absent or inadequate. While Rajasthan achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in 2018, sustaining safe sanitation outcomes requires the effective collection, transportation, treatment, and safe disposal of faecal sludge and septage.

To strengthen FSSM infrastructure across the state, the Directorate of Local Bodies (DLB), Government of Rajasthan, has sanctioned nearly 200 Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) in non-sewered Urban Local Bodies through budget announcements from 2022–23 to 2024–25. In addition, the Panchayati Raj Department has approved 100 cluster-based FSTPs for rural areas and has sought technical support from DLB for their implementation.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), under its non-financial MoU with the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Directorate of Local Bodies, Local Self Government Department, Government of Rajasthan, has been supporting the state and Urban Local Bodies in strengthening FSSM systems through technical assistance, policy support, research, and capacity building. Recent assessments of operational and under-construction FSTPs carried out by CSE in Rajasthan have highlighted the need to further enhance the capacities of municipal officials, plant operators, and sanitation service providers to ensure effective planning, operation, and management of these facilities.

In this context, and as part of its ongoing capacity-building initiatives, CSE is organizing the third one-day divisional-level onsite training programme on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) at Nagar Nigam Conference Hall, Kota, Rajasthan. The training aims to strengthen the technical understanding and implementation capacities of key stakeholders engaged in sanitation planning, management, and service delivery.

The training programme will cover:

• Understanding basic fundamentals of Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) and the sanitation value chain.
• National and state policies, programmes, and regulatory frameworks supporting FSSM.
• Tools and approaches for sustainable sanitation.
• FSSM planning and different FS treatment technologies.
• Understanding of operation and maintenance, occupational health and safety, and resource recovery in FSSM systems.
• Cross-learning through best practices and implementation lessons for scaling sustainable and inclusive sanitation services – learnings from other states. 

Training Coordinators

Vivek Kumar Sah
Programme Officer, Water Programme
Centre for Science and Environment
Email vivek.sah@cseindia.org
Mob. No. - +91- 9708887214 

Gaurav Singh
Assistant Engineer
Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Directorate of Local Bodies
Government of Rajasthan 

Training Director

Subrata Chakraborty
Director, Water Programme
Centre for Science and Environment
Email - subrata.chakraborty@cseindia.org