Research Paper
Faecal Sludge and Septage Management in Odisha | Baseline Evaluation 2022
Abstract
Odisha has a total of 223 towns, classified according
to population size as defined in Census 2011; and 115 ULBs,
consisting of 6 Municipal Corporations, 48 Municipalities
and 61 Notified Area and a total of 2035 wards.
Model Faecal Sludge and Septage Management
Regulations, 2018 holds each ULB responsible for the
safe management of FSSM within their jurisdiction. The
regulations require the cesspool operators to ensure that
all workers have protective gear and are trained to use the
protective gear, and follow hygiene practices. Cesspool
operators are required to ensure that all safety equipment
are operational and in good condition, and that a firstaid
kit and safety equipment are readily available in the
vehicle before proceeding to a collection site.
Cesspool drivers, helpers, and sanitation workers
at the FSTP are constantly exposed to wet as well as dry
sludge. None of the sanitation workers (government
or private) have been provided with protective gear as
per regulations. The ULBs need to ensure that these
regulations are adhered to. Additionally, the regular
medical check-up of sanitation workers is recommended
to ensure they are in good health.
A majority of the sanitation workers come from
poor socio-economic backgrounds. Instances were
reported where some households do not allow the
sanitation workers inside their houses to check the
overflow/ backflow/ foul smell. This cultural barrier could
be addressed through soft skill training and on-site use of
clean protective gear.
