Centre showcases innovative faecal sludge management models under SBM (Grameen)
New Delhi, Jan 6: The Ministry of Jal Shakti on Wednesday held a virtual interaction with districts across States and Union Territories to review and share best practices in Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The interaction was chaired by Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil and attended by Minister of State V. Somanna, senior officials of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, State Mission Directors, district officials, Panchayat representatives and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The session focused on showcasing successful and scalable FSM models, strengthening cross-learning among States and districts, and emphasising the need for safe sanitation systems across the entire sanitation value chain, beyond toilet construction. States including Gujarat, Sikkim, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Ladakh and Tripura presented field-level innovations such as in-situ treatment, community-led operations and maintenance, urban-rural FSM linkages, and reuse of treated sludge and wastewater. Several models were highlighted for generating local employment while ensuring sustainable sanitation.
A notable example was from Khordha district in Odisha, where a transgender-led SHG manages the operation and maintenance of a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, combining inclusive service delivery with dignified livelihood opportunities. Other models discussed included twin-pit toilets in Gujarat’s Dang district, FSM retrofitting in Sikkim’s hilly regions, India’s first rural FSTP in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, cluster-based FSTPs in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada, ecosan toilets in Ladakh’s high-altitude conditions, and SHG-managed mobile bio-toilets in Tripura.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Paatil praised the innovative and community-driven approaches, noting that FSM is critical for sustainable rural sanitation, public health and environmental protection. He emphasised the role of community participation, SHGs, Panchayats and context-specific technologies in making FSM solutions inclusive and durable. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting States and UTs through technical assistance, capacity building and promotion of innovative FSM models across rural India under SBM (Grameen).
