Training on Nature-based Solutions for Water and Waste Management

Date: 10th – 13th July, 2018
Venue: CSE, 41, Tughlakabad Institutional Area, New Delhi-110062

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India as part of its School of Water and Waste initiative organised a fourdays training programme on “Nature-based Solutions (NBS) for Water and Waste Management” from 10 to 13 July 2018 in New Delhi. 

The aim of the training was to strengthen the capacity of participants by exposing them to various dimensions of Sustainable Urban Water Management concept for mainstreaming decentralised NBS. The programme involved diverse group of 21 participants representing different organisations including government, NGOs, private companies, universities, entrepreneurs and more.Some participants had significant experience in their respective fields, thus sessions were organized in a manner that encouraged peer-to-peer learning. The training programme included a mix of theory, practical sessions and it was conducted based on state of the art teaching – learning tools consisting of interactive sessions, experiential learning using detailed case studies, working in groups on planning and designing and class room lectures.

List of participants (click here)

Over the course of the first two days, the program focused on tackling issues related to water sustainability utilizing NBS. The program was initiated with a brief introductory talk by Dr Suresh Rohilla, CSE that introduced the concept of “Nature-based Solutions” and CSE’s role in promoting such solutions in the water and wastewater nexus. Consequently, Mr Rudresh Sugam, CSE further built on the concept and the main principles of this concept and their applicability within the framework of water and sanitation governance in India. Dr Mahreen Matto, CSE introduced the concept of Green Infrastructure and Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning. Ms Shivali Jainer,CSE provided in-depth understanding of rainwater harvesting and conducted sessions on data collection, the planning and designing of RWH systems.

The second day had sessions led by Mr Viswanath, Biome on best management practices showcasing examples of rainwater harvesting systems management, community mobilisation and engagement. It was followed by CSE’s sessions on tools and techniques to design sustainable urban drainage system.

During the third day of the training, participants were briefed, by Mr Bhavik Gupta, CSE,on the importance of focussing on the entire sanitation value chain and its management for effective citywide sanitation. This was accompanied by introduction to various planning tools like Excreta Flow Diagram (or Shit Flow Diagram-SFD), Sanitation Safety Plan (SSP) by Mr Bhitush Luthra, CSE. The programmealso focussed on integrated approach that included planning, designing & implementation to ensure effective septage management interventions, these sessions were conducted by Ms Mahreen Matto and Mr Anil Yadav, CSE.This was followed by sessions on designing of septic tank, co-treatment of faecal sludge in STPs and introduction to various technological options for FSS treatment.The second half of the day and day 4 focused on Nature-based solutions for effluent treatment. Mr Raman Sharma, NEERI conducted a session on the technical details and benefits of Phytorid systems for effluent treatment.

The fourth day included a comprehensive day-long session on Decentralised Wastewater treatment systems conducted by Ms Chhavi Sharda, CSE. It begun right from the introduction of the concept to design, implementation and maintenance of the system to ensure its long-term sustainability. The session that followed encouraged the participants to plan and design their own system in groups. The respective groups presented their plan, which led to a healthy discussion regarding the feasibility of various plans developed.To capture the comprehensive feedback of participants’ video shoot of randomly selected participants and paper based feedback sessions were organised. Also, a dedicated session was organised at the end of the training programme to understand the areas of improvement and identify participants who would be willing to be a part of long-term network with CSE.

 

For further information please contact:

Rudresh Kumar Sugam
Senior Programme Manager, Water Programme
+91-11-40616000 (Ext: 389),
Email: rudresh.sugam@cseindia.org 

Dr.MahreenMatto
Programme Manager, Water Programme
+91-11-40616000 (Ext: 257),
Email: mahreen@cseindia.org  

Dr. Suresh Kumar Rohilla, 
Senior Director & Academic Director, 
(School of Water and Waste, Anil Agarwal Environment Training Institute – AAETI).
Email: srohilla@cseindia.org