Cities must adopt decentralised approaches tailored to their specific needs, CSE study of UP’s faecal sludge and septage management journey shows

The state of Uttar Pradesh has made considerable progress in Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), expanding from a single treatment plant in 2018 to 59 facilities across urban local bodies (ULBs). These plants play a critical role in managing septage generated by on-site containment systems, which serve the majority of the urban population. However, their long-term sustainability depends on robust operation and maintenance (O&M) arrangements.

The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has conducted a detailed study of O&M practices in 21 ULBs in Uttar Pradesh, offering valuable insights for other Indian states and developing nations in the Global South. The findings highlight key challenges and best practices that can guide effective FSSM strategies.

Key findings

The study found significant variations in O&M responsibility across ULBs. While some plants are managed by the municipalities themselves, others rely on Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or private contractors. Of the 21 plants studied, eight are run by ULBs, four by SHGs, and nine by contractors. Although ULB and SHG-managed plants prove more cost-effective, contractor-managed facilities demonstrate better operational efficiency. Financial challenges persist, with O&M funded through Own-Source Revenue (OSR), State Finance Commission (SFC) grants, and the AMRUT Mitra program. However, delayed payments—exceeding three months in seven out of 12 plants—pose a major obstacle, particularly for SHGs and contractors.

Operational performance also varies significantly, with contractor-operated plants achieving an average utilisation rate of 42 per cent, compared to just 18 per cent for ULB and SHG-run plants. Low prioritisation of desludging services by ULBs contributes to this underutilisation. Additionally, weak contracting practices undermine plant efficiency, as three of the seven reviewed contracts lack clear terms regarding payments, performance benchmarks, and penalty provisions. Short contract durations in some cases further exacerbate operational inefficiencies. The study also highlights Banda’s unique desludging fee-based model, where plant O&M is financed through user fees rather than municipal funds. However, competition between the ULB and the contractor in providing desludging services has limited the contractor’s revenue, jeopardising the plant’s financial sustainability.

Recommendations for scaling and sustainability

To strengthen O&M arrangements, the study recommends standardising the handover process, ensuring that key documents such as Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), warranty papers, and operational manuals are provided to ULBs. A third-party verification of construction quality should also be mandated before handover. Contracting mechanisms need improvement, with all ULBs adopting and contextualising the state-issued Model Contract for O&M to ensure clearly defined roles, payment terms, and performance standards. Contract durations should be extended to at least two years to enhance stability and reduce administrative burdens.

Financial mechanisms must be enhanced, including the establishment of escrow accounts to ensure timely payments to contractors and SHGs. To optimise operational efficiency, ULBs should implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for plant management and regularly monitor compliance. Increasing plant utilisation rates requires city-level desludging plans and public awareness campaigns to promote scheduled desludging.

The Banda model presents a potential low-cost, sustainable alternative for FSSM plants, provided the ULB directs all desludging requests and fees to the contractor. If structured correctly, this approach could be replicated in other cities, reducing municipal financial burdens while ensuring effective plant operations.

Implications for other Indian states and the Global South

The findings from Uttar Pradesh’s FSSM journey offer crucial lessons for sanitation planning in other parts of India and developing countries in the Global South. Cities must adopt decentralised approaches tailored to their specific needs, integrating municipal, community-led, and private sector participation for efficient service delivery. Ensuring financial sustainability requires innovative funding mechanisms, including escrow accounts and user fee-based models. Capacity building is essential, with municipal bodies requiring enhanced technical expertise and contract management skills. Transparent monitoring practices, including regular quality testing of treated sludge and robust record-keeping, must be institutionalised to guarantee long-term efficiency.

CSE’s upcoming report provides further insights and recommendations to help states and municipalities refine their FSSM strategies, ensuring safe sanitation for all. With structured O&M arrangements, financial innovations, and strong regulatory oversight, Uttar Pradesh’s experience in FSSM can serve as a replicable model for improving sanitation infrastructure across India and beyond.