Policy and practice of FSSM for improved sanitation delivery (India)

It has been progressively acknowledged that centralised sewerage cannot be the only solution for safely managed sanitation, especially in low- and middle- income countries, hence there is uptake of decentralised systems whose service delivery is navigated by dedicated policies and robust institutions of governance. This research aimed to study and critically analyse the policies, institutional framework and practices that govern faecal sludge and septic sludge management (FSSM) in Warangal city, India and to understand whether or to what extent they support safe and sustainable FSSM. Interviews, focus group discussions and observations were the tools used for primary data collection. It was revealed that the FSSM policy did not match its implementation along the entire service chain due to lack of legislative and regulatory context. Unclear roles and responsibilities of various actors were also observed along with weak enforcement. Women were seen to be key players in FSSM and their organized system of self-help groups can leverage the actualization of safe, effective and sustainable sanitation. Involvement from all stakeholder groups in FSSM and its implementation through regulations, financial resources, incentives and organisational efforts is the main enabling factor for the system’s sustainability and efficiency. If FSSM is not set as a priority of the national and/or local government as part of its overall sanitation program, then comprehensive, effective and safe FSSM is unlikely to develop.