Faecal sludge management in Greater Bangalore (India)

Faecal sludge management (FSM) is receiving unprecedented attention in Greater Bangalore area due to lack of adequate public sewerage system to handle increased wastewater contribution arising from addition of 110 villages. There are nearly 35 STPs (of total capacity 1,522 MLD) which would meet requirement of the projected population till 2034. Around the core area in 110 villages, there is no sewerage networks, management of faecal sludge would be a challenging task. Testing of physical and biological characteristics of sample septage collected from septic tanks and toilet pits reveals that value of septage parameters higher than the sewage parameters handled by the existing STP’s. Hence septage cannot be treated directly by existing STPs without pre-treatment facilities. Eventually, based on the data gathered, key issues are listed and recommendations are made for sustainable and upkeep of the septage management to protect both health and environmental resources in the non-sewer network area of Greater Bengaluru.