The project seeks to develop a fecal sludge management (FSM) solution for a low-income and underserved community – Savda Ghevra in Delhi. The solution provided will address all components of the sanitation value chain from containment to treatment of fecal sludge. It will avoid direct human contact in managing fecal sludge as seen in some cases today.
Further, lessons learned from this project will be utilized to promote the adoption of similar decentralized solutions in other low-income urban areas of Delhi. The proposed demonstration will translate well-researched FSM solutions related to collection, transportation and treatment, and safe disposal/reuse into tangible and socially-relevant activities. It will assess the efficiency and appropriateness with regard to performance, cost, community acceptance, economic viability and sustainability. The project aims to provide an impetus to stimulate awareness on the issue of FSM, and to provide opportunities to build local capacities on the safe handling and management of fecal sludge.
The project aims to demonstrate two models in Savda Ghevra:
- Demonstration of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Solution: A simplified sewer system is proposed for 406 households of Block A and 652 HHs of block C and will be connected to two CSTs. The effluent from CSTs will be further treated through Up-Flow Anaerobic Filter. The treated effluent will be transported via the existing drains and the reuse of the treated wastewater will be recommended after exploring the potential avenues and assessing the feasibility. The sludge from the CST is planned to be treated at FSTP. This solution demonstrates an effective solution for managing the challenge of containment and to treat both black and grey water. The success of this demonstration model has implication for replication in other blocks in Savda Ghevra.
- Demonstration of FSM solution: Develop a FSM solution for the collection, transport and treatment for reuse of fecal sludge generated from blocks B, D, J and K.The faecal sludge treatment plant has been designed for 15 cubic meter / day capacity based on actual sludge evacuation data. The treatment scheme consists of receiving chambers to manage solid and liquid separation, Biogas settler and stabilization tank to stabilize the sludge, Anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), Up flow anaerobic filter (UPAF) and planted gravel beds (PGF) to treat the liquid effluent, sludge drying beds (SDB) to collect the solids and additionally fecal sludge composting plant. Optionally Multigrade filter (MGF) and Activated Carbon filter (ACF) are proposed to ensure effluent quality compliance as defined by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Source: IWMI
Economics and business model
Based on the discussion with partners and the community an exercise was conducted in the past, where we arrived at 6 possible business models developed around Demand based/ Scheduled Desludging. A feasibility assessment of these models have been conducted including risks and mitigation measures for each.
With respect to the decentralized treatment of wastewater through the laying of sewer network for about 1,000 households, the primary focus of economic analysis is to determine the financial feasibility of the system with different user charges
The economic analysis and business model for FSM will consist of deriving the financial feasibility of setting up the treatment plant along with the business model focusing on planned desludging. This model would include (i) optimal transport routing through per-day unit costing, (ii) setting up of user charges, (iii) tipping fees, and (iv) O&M costs
Objective
A sound institutional framework is a crucial element towards an enabling environment for design, implementation and sustainability of decentralized sanitation solutions. A sound framework is also essential to ensure that the demonstrated technical solutions are formalized and scaled up citywide, and result in increased focus on decentralized and non-sewered options to provide integrated and safe sanitation solutions, especially for low-income settlements.
Key word – enabling environment
Strategy
Towards achievement of this objective, it is proposed to draw up a framework to integrate, institutionalize and embed Fecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) in the relevant systems and processes at the state, city and community level. The framework will be based on normative studies and secondary assessments as well as in close consultation with all key stakeholders. It is envisaged that these interventions will lead to the increased engagement of the key agencies involved in the governance and delivery of water, wastewater and sanitation, and culminate in a formal commitment. Further, it will also be our intention to design and develop robust mechanisms for infrastructure creation, maintenance and operation to be reflected in the state government’s plans and policies.
Keyword – increased stakeholder engagement
Approach and process
- Review of legislations, regulations, policies and scheme guidelines
- Review of technical and financial plan documents, and detailed project reports
- Stakeholder mapping and analysis
- Consultations with stakeholders on current and potential roles
- Development of recommendations on developing an enabling environment
Key outputs
- Report on the review of policies, laws , regulations and standards at the central, state and city level
- Report on stakeholder mapping and analysis in relation to FSSM
- Report on capacity needs assessment and relevant recommendations
- Recommendation on interdepartmental convergence
- Report on potential and feasible institutional models centered on FSSM/solutions
- Design of a community-based institutional model, feasibility assessment and the development of a replication plan
- Development of protocols, guidelines, policy briefs and knowledge products on FSSM
- Report on facilitation of the development of policies and programs on an FSSM-integrated institutional framework, including a state sanitation strategy and action plan
We consult government agencies on designs and technical solutions and also seek their cooperation and support to obtain requisite approvals and clearances to ensure land availability and compliance with regulatory standards. We will aim to ensure the buy-in of concerned government departments to take over and maintain the sanitation facilities following completion of the project. The project will also make key recommendations on how to embed/institutionalize decentralized and non-sewered sanitation infrastructure and services in government systems. Read more on our Government Partners.
The expected outcome of the project intervention is to bring about sustainable improvement in the environmental health and quality of life of the residents of Savda Ghevra; the project activities are centered on interacting closely with the communities to obtain their feedback on the current situation and for the development of technical strategies. It is our endeavor to build systems and processes to ensure sound and robust models of community engagement, including formation and nurturing of community-based organizations.
It is our endeavor to distil the best of lessons learned from national and international experiences for application in Savda Ghevra, both from our internal documentation and experiences/expertise and other documentation. We aim at developing robust spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS)-based maps pertaining to the pilot site which are available online. We are in the process of developing various knowledge products for the project to ensure effective and transparent communication channels between project partners and external stakeholders. Through workshops and direct consultations with key stakeholders identified through a stakeholder mapping analysis, we aim to disseminate action research findings and knowledge products to ensure there is buy-in at all levels and a clear communication channel established to achieve the desired outcomes and impacts.
We are addressing capacity development based on an assessment of capacity deficits and gaps through training and organizational/institutional development recommendations, i.e., both the personnel and organizational levels. The agencies and individuals involved in the development of FSM practices will be equipped to perform effectively through the provision of technical and other skills.