Decentralized and Non-Sewered Wastewater Management for Selected Ganga Towns

The conventional approach to managing wastewater in Indian towns has primarily focused on centralized sewer networks and sewage treatment plants (STPs). While effective in theory, these systems are capital and operation intensive, demand large quantities of water to maintain flow, and are difficult to implement in older or irregularly developed urban areas. Due to topographical constraints and the unregulated spatial growth of towns, it is often unfeasible to achieve 100% coverage through centralized systems alone. As a result, such approaches have struggled to eliminate the problem of untreated wastewater entering rivers, especially the Ganga.

Recognizing these limitations, there is growing acceptance of decentralized, non-sewered solutions that collect and treat waste as close to the source of generation as possible. This is especially important in the Ganga basin, where the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) has made significant progress in reducing open defecation by promoting toilets with on-site containment. However, if faecal sludge from these toilets is not managed properly, it may further pollute the river instead of improving its condition.

Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) offers a decentralized alternative that can effectively complement centralized systems. Despite being technically sound and cost-effective, decentralized wastewater solutions have historically received less attention from urban administrators and engineers. However, recent policy changes have empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to prioritize decentralized sanitation systems.

To support this shift, a dedicated training module has been developed for municipal commissioners, executive officers, engineers, elected representatives, and technical officials from Ganga basin towns. The training aims to build understanding of decentralized solutions for managing both liquid and solid domestic waste. Key learning objectives include assessing the volume and cost of septage treatment, understanding the design and planning aspects of FSSM, and appreciating its potential to improve sanitation outcomes.

Through this initiative, cities can move toward more sustainable, locally appropriate sanitation strategies—improving public health, reducing river pollution, and enhancing their rankings in national assessments like Swachh Survekshan.