Md Toriqul Islam
Senior Technical Manager
NGO Forum for Public Health, Dhaka
Email: toriqul.ce@gmail.com
International Training on: Tools and Approaches for Citywide Water and Sanitation Management (July 30 – August 03, 2018)

The aim of this project is to ensure safely manage faecal sludge in urban areas of Mymensingh City Corporation. The system was designed to ensure safe management of faecal sludge, a co-compost which tackles faecal sludge generated from pit latrines and septic tanks, and solid waste from households exploring sanitation service chain through reduced public health risks and environmental hazards.

My learnings from the Tools and Approaches for Citywide Water and Sanitation Management Training programme (2018) helped me with designing and guiding the technical and technological aspects of FSM as the Team lead. These aspects include understanding of Faecal Sludge & Septage and its characterization and quantification of FSM, containment systems, city sanitation plan, Shit Flow Diagram (SFD), different methods and means of collection and transportation of faecal sludge, objectives, different mechanisms and treatment methods and operation, maintenance and monitoring of FSTP.

Dhiman Halder
Senior Officer-Capacity Building, Practical Action
Faridpur, Bangladesh
Email: dhiman.halder@practicalaction.org
International Training on: Tools and Approaches for Citywide Water and Sanitation Management (July 30 – August 03, 2018)

My passion is to conduct trainings for capacity building on Urban Planning and Management and in this pursuit, I attended the International Training on Tools and Approaches for Citywide Water and Sanitation Management, 2018. I have conducted near about 10 batches of Faecal Sludge Management Training and near about 12 batches of formal discussion sessions on sustainable wastewater management. CSE helped me to emphasise on green infrastructure for sustainable solutions and promote 3R policy, which I also ascertain to include in my discussions. I promote rainwater harvesting, proper management of kitchen waste and faecal waste. I feel more confident to conduct sessions on sanitation safety planning and faecal sludge management after attending the trainings conducted by CSE.

Shilpa D N
Assistant Professor
Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore
Email: shilpadn13@gmail.com
Training programme on: Nature-based Solutions for Water and Waste Management (July 10 – 13 July, 2018)

My main objective of attending the training on "Nature Based Solutions Training Programme, 2018" was to disseminate the acquired knowledge to the students. Based on the knowledge gained from training, I guided the students of PG (M Arch – Landscape Architecture) and UG (BE – Civil Engineering) to propose rain water harvesting systems as a part of their projects. This enhanced their ability to implement wastewater management solutions practically. With that knowledge, students were able to conduct survey and prepare water budget which helped them to estimate the amount of water availability and water demand. Students were able to propose conveyance, treatment and storage units for self-sustained units. UG students of BE – Civil Engineering also developed a compact filtration system with locally available materials (coconut coir and charcoal). I also designed two projects to train students for water management system.

Kedarisetti Hridya
Student
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Email: hridya.manya@gmail.com
Training programme on: Advanced Training Programme on Urban Lake Management, (February 19 – 22, 2019)

The Advanced Urban Lake Management Training programme, 2019 helped in an academic project, to create an Urban Open Space System along the highly polluted Najafgarhnala, Delhi. Learning to consider each stakeholder involved while making an action plan streamlined this large scale project to have a clear vision, revitalize the edge of a densely inhabited GTB Nagar, connect people to the flowing waterway and inspire an attitude of conservation.

Following the inspiration of AAETI to disseminate knowledge, I took up a Student awareness workshop during my vacations. I talked to 400 students of 8th standard about the environmental crisis, citing the present case of Chennai, gave a few inspirations to look up atand further presented landscape architecture too for bridging the city to the environment.

The awareness program was well received by the students and the faculty of the school. It was also published in the daily newspaper.

Margaret Mbinya Kasuki
Lecturer, Kenya Water Institute
Kenya- Kitui
Email: margaretkasuki@yahoo.com
Training programme on: Sanitation Safety Planning Training Programme, (October 8-12, 2018)

I want to work towards improving sanitation status in Kenya, help people know the current status of sanitation and the approaches applied in our context. Sanitation should be everybody’s concern and responsibility. I attended the Sanitation Safety Planning Training Programme (8-12 October, 2018) and have since written a review paper on faecal sludge management in Kenya, designed an operation and maintenanceonsite sanitation facilities training manual (currently underreview by management). I routinely train and lecture students. I also carried out community outreach programmes on water, sanitation and hygiene (wash) in Kwa-Vonza primary school on 3rd April 2019. I presented the review paper on faecal sludge management in Kenya in a WASPA international conference held in Kenya, Nairobi from 8th -10th May 2019. I also examine students at the end of the training period over subjects on Sanitation. I hope to prepare more papers on sanitation and sensitise primary school pupils and communities on sanitation in Kenya.

Nayruti Mistry
Urban Planner, Planning Solutions,
Vadodara, Gujarat
Email: nayrutimistry2@gmail.com
Training programme on: 'Urban Wetlands Management’, (September 25th - 28, 2019)



I work as an urban planner in a planning consultancy firm 'Planning Solutions' based in Vadodara, Gujarat. We prepare masterplans, zonal plans and special purpose plans for our clients I attended the training programme on ‘Urban Wetlands Management’ (25th - 28th Sept., 2019), and I have been able to use the knowledge in a particular project of ours.

A lake was developed in Vadodara, which falls in amidst the urbanized area. The initial project objective was to develop the space as a recreational hot-spot by providing jogging tracks around the periphery. A patch of vegetated land was identified along the periphery, which exhibited a rich biodiversity. The objective of the study was modified to include conservation of the patch. Consequently, the design of the jogging track was modified into a C-shape design, leaving the patch untouched. The decision to save the patch was mutually agreed at FGDs with stakeholders which included the residents in the vicinity, the private developer and the collector of the district. Other measures include the coir made from coconut skin for pitching, as it allows percolation of water. A part of the patch was still impacted due to anti-social activities; however, the patch is now fenced and protected from further deterioration.



The learnings of the training on flora and fauna of wetlands, stakeholder review, etc. have helped me improve my projects. I hope to continue impacting development projects to include sustainable practices and inclusive decision making.

Senthil Mani
PROFESSOR, MARG Institute of Design and Architecture Swarrnabhoomi
Cheyyur, Kancheepuram
Email: ar.senthilmani@gmail.com
Training programme on: ‘Urban Wetlands Management’, (September 25th - 28, 2019)




I am a professor of architecture and a researcher in the field on urban ecology. I want to learn about sustainable urban water management and wish to impart my knowledge to my students, and use the learnings to strengthen the research and academic community. I attended the training programme on ‘Urban Wetlands Management’ (25th - 28th Sept., 2019), and I have since written and presented my research paper at NICMAR conference titled: 'Analyzing the Influence of Ecological Aspects in Urban Spaces for Sustainable Development: A case study of Chennai’ (ICCRIP 2018 conference - Paper ID: NIC-IC2018-0098-F1).

Apart from this, I have delivered a guest lecture conducted by UNESCO-AARDE at Anna University on topic 'Eco-spaces'. I routinely deliver lectures on urban wetlands to students and faculties. In terms of taking the learnings forward, I am pursuing my PhD on the topic: ‘Identifying ecological aspects in urban open spaces’. The training programme has added to my research. I hope to continue this journey and conduct further research and disseminate knowledge.

Raghu Soma
Environmental Engineer, Sircilla Municipality
Sircilla, Telangana
Dates: July 10-13, 2018
Email: raghu.fsm.srcl@gmail.com
Training programme on: Nature-based Solutions for Water and Waste Management, (July 10 – 13 July, 2018)



I work as an Environmental Engineer in Siricilla Municipality in Telangana State, India. As a municipal engineer, I have to deal with various infrastructure related issues in water supply, sewerage, fecal sludge and solid waste management. I have attended the online course on FSM organised by CSE in collaboration with UNESCO-IHE. In addition to that, I have attended the training programme on Nature-based Solutions for Water and Waste Management (10-13 July 2018). I have also been part of the CSE-GIZ training programmes on City Sanitation Plan.

As a cumulative impact of all this exposure provided by CSE, I played an instrumental role in designing and implementing a Feacal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in my municipality. The town of 75,000 population (approx.) is largely dependent on on-site sanitation systems. We decided to implement an FSTP in order to address the issue of indiscriminate disposal of FS. We have constructed a 18 KLD plant, investing Rs 1.6 Crore, covering an area of 1,970 sq. m. The technology is unplanted drying bed followed by a DWWTS, which nature-based and easy to maintain and operate. The effluent has BOD less than 20 mg/L and COD less than 50 mg/L. The dried and treated bio-solids are used as soil conditioner in nearby farmlands. The wastewater collected can also be used by nearby farmlands and horticulture needs within the FSTP.



The collective learnings from all the trainings by CSE has helped me and my organisation in preparing and implementing a faecal sludge and sanitation policy for our city, by providing assistance and insight at policy level, planning and designing stage and in implementation as well. I look forward to attend future programmes and work towards sustainable urban development.

Devesh Kolhe
Bachelor of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Email: kolhedevesh@gmail.com
Training programme on: Water Woes: Reality of Urban Water Management in India (3 June - 7 July 2019)

photo credit: http://crwater.com/top-ten-tips-to-save-water

The overall aim of attending the above training was to better understand the water crisis faced by India. Since the future demographic load is primarily bound to occur in urban centres, it is essential to learn sustainable solution for urban water and waste water management. In order to device solutions and implement them, it is crucial to holistically understand the urban water cycle. This was the initial idea behind engaging with CSE.

The course not only helped me academically, but also facilitated behaviour change in myself. I am applying the knowledge in my day today life. In simple and small ways, I have started applying course learning. I’m much more cautious while using water for washing hands, utensils, clothes, etc. Even in washroom, I have begun taking into account the time I spent in a shower. Moreover, I’m flushing the toilet more responsibly as each flush is equivalent to 20L of water.

I also spoke to the secretary of my society and convinced him to replace the conventional taps of water to water smart taps. He is now looking for an affordable deal with a local vendor.The course has equipped me with crystal clear understanding of the issue of water and waste water management in cities. It has helped me to better articulate my thoughts and write on the topic and get a comprehensive picture of all the different sectors and stakeholders involved in the entirety of process.

My water sensitive actions have affected the behaviour of my family members as well as my peers. The data backed arguments that I make enables me to swiftly persuade. I too have started noticing that my surrounding people have begun taking water sensitive actions.

The course has also helped me better understand the sustainability aspect of urban living. It has led to broadening my perspective and has made me more aware and vigilant vis-a-vis unscientific and irresponsible use of water.

Dr. K. Arockiam
Dean, School of Management Studies, St.Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli, TN
Email: arockiamk@gmail.com
Training programme on: Water Speaks: Effective Communication for Advocacy, Influence and Impact (5 - 8 February 2019)

Months have passed since I have attended this training programme on Water Speaks and more seems to have happened in me than before. What has happened in me - An Awakening? Why did I attend this programme? In the past 30 years, Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu overflowed and got flooded 10 times - an irony is that water has been simply wasted and discharged into the Ocean on occasions of good monsoon. On the other hand, there had been a greater demand for drinking water and at times leading to inter-state conflicts for water during failure of monsoon. How to solve this crisis? As of now, there has not been smaller check-dams across Cauvery to store and recharge ground-water on occasions of failure of monsoon. There had not been canals created either to divert water on occasion of bountiful rains and floods. Lakhs of farmers’ life has been thrown out of gear and led to suicidal deaths.
My aim of attending this training programme was to find an answer to the above articulated irony, and to find ways and means to get actualised this into reality. The following fruits are the outcomes of this programme.

• I trained a group of young and mid-career professors from St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli  by providing technical support on how to effectively write socially relevant project proposal writings, giving focus to water.
• I initiated a group of professors and provided technical support to undertake a STRIDE Project (Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India's Developing Economy) to be sponsored   by UGC-MHRD.
• I have applied for an inter-institutional project (St.Joseph’s College-Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, St.Andrew’s College-Gorakhpur, UP and National College-Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu)under STRIDE by UGC on Check-dam Creation for Improved Livelihoods: Enhancing Agriculture Skill Development, Rural Entrepreneurship, Employability and Promotion of Research.It is focussed on farmers, rural youth, women, college students and SHGs.

Anubhav Jangra
Senior Consultant, Insight Development Consulting Group Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi
Email: anubhav.jangra@gmail.com
Training programme on: Tools and Approaches for Citywide Water and Sanitation Management, Part 1 (16-19 April 2019)

I am currently engaged as a Deputy Project Manager in the project titled ‘Preparation of Detailed Project Report on Urban Greening for 72 ULBs in Telangana’ which is World Bank financed project being implemented by Government of Telangana through the Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration. As part of scope of work, we are supposed to design parks, roads, and intersections as well as provide financial, institutional and management models for the project. After, attending the above CSE training programme on Water Prudent Cities focusing on Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning, I have been able to advocate for a separate exercise for urban water management and revival of water bodies in the state. A short note highlighting some of the solutions (which were imparted and shared during the training) is appended in the Final DPRs (see the annexure). Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) has directed a preliminary survey on the project through the Urban Forestry Consultant.After a formal discussion on the topic of planning techniques for increasing water related efficiencies in an urban area, the nature augmented methods to revive lakes and some of the solutions to sewage waste, CDMA was very enthusiastic about this project. After the initial hesitation, CDMA is highly receptive to the ideas and considers it to be a viable solution to some of their problems related with management of fresh and wastewater resources.

ANNEXURE:  RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE REPORT

PlanningTechniques for Sustainable Water Management
The aim must be to make all the park sites self-sufficient for all its watering needs and not to rely up on ground water or municipals ources of water. Ground water extraction for watering, in particular is very dangerous to the health of the underground aquifers. The sustainable management o fgroundwater resources is the need of the hour to counter the acute deficiencies of water in many ULBs of the state. In the worst case, the park sites must be connected to municipal sources of water; either through pipelines or through overhead storage structures, where available. Further, a large number of lakes in the cities are either extinct or on the verge of extinction and face neglect and pollution. A few techniques are highlighted in the following parts suggesting ways to achieve watersufficiency and ensure sustainable management of water resources.

Demandmanagement	Demand management	Rain/stormwaterreuse
Rain/Stormwaterreuse	Rain/stormwaterreuse	Stormwater qualityimprovement
Waterreuse o Greywater o Reclaimed	Water reuse o Greywater o Reclaimed	Stormwater qualitymanagement
	Infiltration inflowreduction
Figure 61 Planning Methods for Sustainable Management of greens

1. Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning (WSUDS)

It is away of management of water resource sata city and neighbourhood level where rainwater is utilized to its maximum potential. The use of rainwater harvesting structures and recharge structures is an important component of this approach. A very successful example of this approach can be found in Nizammuddin Colony in New Delhi which was affected by flooding during monsoon and through chronic water shortages in the summer months. After the implementation of this approach the colony is now self sufficient in harnessing its own water resources and stores its rainwater using the existing municipal drainage networks in large underground tanks constructed in the neighbourhood parks.

Another important component of this approach is the reduction in the number of flooding in cidents in the cities by holding an dtreatings to rmwater through natural means.This not only helps in eradicating the needs for expensive and inefficient municipal drainage systems but also in creating of a estheticvalue by developing green spaces.This is a decentralized approach where the collected water is also used to revive dying water bodies such as lakes andponds.


Figure 62 Methods for Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning

These methods are also proven to treat rainwater and industrial effluents in a decentralized manner and has recently emerged as a cost effective solution to STPs as has been successfully demonstrated by projects in Neela Hauz Lake in New Delhi. These approaches are now in use in various other places in Delhi including the Rajokri lake, Hauz Khas lake, Yamuna Biodiversity Park and in Hauz Khas lake.

• Bioretention provides storm water treatment that enhances the quality of downstream waterbodies.
• Runoff is temporarily stored in the BMP and released over a period of four days to the receiving water.
• The BMP is also able to provides hadeand wind breaks, absorb noise, and improve an area's landscape.

Vidur Shresth
Coordinator, Water Conservation
Email: vidshresth@gmail.com
Training programme on: Tools and Approaches for City-wide Water and Sanitation Management, Parts I & II (April 16 - 26, 2019)

I am currently working as Coordinator, Water Conservation for Project Prabahat, a CSR initiative at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. We work on water sustainability initiatives in peri-urban and rural areas. I attended the training programme on ‘Tools and Approaches for City-wide Water and Sanitation Management (Part I & II)’ (16th - 26thApril, 2019), and I have been able to use the knowledge in design and renovate RWH unit at Sabuj Sangha, an NGO in Sudarbans, West Bengal

The office is situated in Sundarban area of West Bengal, which already has plenty of small water bodies.The office campus has its own pond, which is also used for water supply. This is the Technical campus of Sabuj Sanghawhere they analyse different farming techniques, which requires regular maintenance and irrigation. The campus had a basic RWH system in place;however, in 2009, due to Cyclone Aila, many of the infrastructure were destroyed including RWH system. The annual average rainfall in Sundarbanranges from 1750 mm to 2000 mm, which gives huge potential for RWH.

I was tasked with designing the technical brief of roof-top RWH unit for the site and prepare the cost estimates for implementation. Using the learnings of the training programme on data collection for designing RWH and baseline information, I was able to prepare the working design, incorporating key information like average and peak rainfall, materials for construction, etc.

Using the Rainwater Potential Calculator provided by CSE, I was able to fine-tune my designs and prepare cost estimates. It also enabled me to estimate benefits of implementing the project. The total estimated cost for the storage unit was ₹40,000, and this would meet the water demand of the campus for domestic uses, and for four months of irrigation requirements in non-monsoon months.

The learnings of the training on design considerations, economic valuation and tools like Rainwater Potential Calculator, etc. have helped me improve my projects, in terms of conceptualization and implementation. I hope to continue impacting development projects to include sustainable practices and inclusive decision making.

Figure 1: Farming techniques, rooftop for RWH unit

Figure 2: Pond in the campus: Source of water supply

Dr Sandesh Yadav
Researcher
Email: sandesh_official@yahoo.in
Training programme on: ‘Urban Wetlands Management – Towards water and environment sustainability’ 25 – 28 September, 2018

I recently completed my PhD in Geography from Jamia Milia Islamia on impact of land use and land cover change on urban environments, and I am currently conducting research in the field of environment and water. I attended the training programme on ‘Urban Wetlands Management - Towards water and environment sustainability’ (25 – 28 September, 2018), and I have been able to use the knowledge in adocumentation exercise for water bodies in three villages in Sambhal District of Uttar Pradesh.

The objective of the study was to document water bodies in three villages namely Kasipur, Ajijpur and Ram Nagar Tappa Vaish in Gunnaur Tehsil, District Sambhal in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to investigate the impact of anthropogenic activities on ponds located in these villages.

The training programme on urban wetlands management helped me in conducting rapid assessment of impacts of anthropogenic activities on water bodies, and establishing links between various domestic activities, recreation value and water quality. The status of the water bodies was found to be poor, and the probable causes documented were:

• Dumping of solid waste in and around the pond (thermos-col plates, polybags, jute bags)
• Piling of stubble
• Disposal of cow dung waste and defaecation

These activities have impact the water quality, with increased BOD levels, algae growth, vulnerability to vector-borne diseases and degraded aquatic environment. A report of the findings with recommendations has been shared with the relevant authorities for further action.

The learnings of the training on traditional water bodies,water quality augmentation and identification of issues of water quality degradationhave helped me conduct this study in a comprehensive time-bound manner. I hope to continue evolving my knowledge and conduct research in the area of urban water bodies and sustainable water management.

Figure 1: Village Pond in Kasipur Village

Figure 2: Village Pond in Ajijipur Village

Saumya Bansal
Student, Dept. of Landscape Architecture
Email: saumyabansal16@gmail.com
Training programme on: Advanced Training on Urban Lake Management (February 19 - 22, 2019)

I am currently pursuing my post-graduationin Landscape Architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. We undertake landscape studio assignments which are closely related with environmental sustainability in different urban and rural contexts.I attended the ‘Advanced Training on Urban Lake Management’ (19th– 22ndFebruary, 2019), and I have been able to use the knowledge in my academic project: Urban Open Space Systems: A case of Najafgarh Waterway in Delhi

The objective of the academic project was to prepare a masterplan and final project proposal to rejuvenate a 5 km stretch of the Najafgarh Drain and recreate its buffer area into an urban open space system for environment sustainability and recreation hub. The study was conducted in the following four stages:

1. Create awareness through visual and physical connect: Evaluate the physical environment of the site
2. Identify stakeholders: Going beyond the govt. organisations and including residents and local users of the space.
3. Improve quality of water through STPs, constructed wetlands and bio-filtration processes
4. Development of open space systems along the banks for recreation and treatment of concreted and boulder edges with vegetation

The training programme on urban lake management contributed in all four stages of our study, particularly,the stakeholder review process. We conducted our stakeholder surveys, which included the local community and residents of the area. We were able to incorporate the interests of these stakeholders in our final proposals, which provided adequate recreational space and opportunity for economic returns for the local community. In addition to that, we also used the learnings of water quality management, and recommended low-cost, nature-based solutions for our site. Finally, we also identify projects to be implemented on priority in a one-year time frame, and prepared small and medium term goals, as learned in the lake management plan process.

The learnings of the training on stakeholder identification and review, water quality augmentation through nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands, bio-remediation, and formulation of short-term, medium-term and long-term goals have helped me improve my project, in terms of conceptualization and inclusive planning. I hope to continue evolving my knowledge and capacity to include sustainable practices and inclusive decision making in all future endeavors and professional projects.

Figure 1: Open space masterplan for Najafgarh Drain

Figure 2: Proposed landscape elements

Figure 3: Perspective Drawing: Proposed recreation hub

Arunima Chakravarty
Student, Dept. of Landscape Architecture
Email: arunima.ch92@gmail.com
Training programme on: Advanced Training on Urban Lake Management (February 19 - 22, 2019)

I am currently pursuing my post-graduationin Landscape Architecture from School of Planning and Architecture, Delhi. We undertake landscape studio assignments which are closely related with environmental sustainability in different urban and rural contexts.I attended the ‘Advanced Training on Urban Lake Management’ (19th – 22nd February, 2019), and I have been able to use the knowledge in my academic project: Urban Open Space Systems: A case of Najafgarh Waterway in Delhi, and during my internship at ENVIS Lab at Guwahati, Assam.

The objective of the academic project was to prepare a masterplan and final project proposal to rejuvenate a 5 km stretch of the Najafgarh Drain and recreate its buffer area into an urban open space system for environment sustainability and recreation hub.

The training programme on urban lake management contributed in conducting the study, particularly, the stakeholder review process and water quality augmentation through nature-based solutions. We also identify projects to be implemented on priority in a one-year time frame, and prepared small and medium term goals, as learned in the lake management plan process.

During my internship, I was tasked with the documentation of Sola Beel in Guwahati. The objective of the study was comprehensive documentation of the urban wetland providing the baseline information, on which further management and conservation strategies can be formulated.During the training programme, we learned regarding formulation of issues, challenges and opportunities and constraints. The templates provided to me helped in a comprehensive documentation of the urban wetland.

The learnings of the training on traditional water bodies,stakeholder identification and review, water quality augmentation through nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands, bio-remediation, etc. have helped me improve my project, in terms of conceptualization and inclusive planning. I hope to continue evolving my knowledge and capacity to include sustainable practices and inclusive decision making in all future endeavors and professional projects.

Location Map of Sola Bheel