Digitalisation is revolutionising faecal sludge and septage management in India

India has achieved a milestone of implementing more than 1,000 faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTP) but sustainaining the same remains a key issue. This suggests that faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) cannot be restricted to creating infrastructure – it also needs an enabling environment for the system to run smoothly and efficiently. 

In recent years, digital monitoring in FSSM has been seen as a game changer. It has been deemed crucial for creating efficient and sustainable sanitation solutions. Incorporating technologies such as sensors, real-time data tracking and geographic information systems (GIS), municipalities can monitor the entire FSSM chain. This includes the collection, transportation, treatment and reuse / disposal processes. 

Digital monitoring helps optimise collection routes, manage treatment facilities effectively and ensure compliance with environmental standards. It also enables the timely identification of potential issues, such as system failures or overloads, allowing for prompt interventions and preventing environmental contamination. Overall, the implementation of digital monitoring in faecal sludge management enhances operational transparency, resource efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of sanitation practices. 

One key area of the process that has benefitted from digitalisation is data collection and mapping. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is instrumental in mapping sanitation infrastructure, including containment systems and treatment facilities. The spatial data provided by GIS allows authorities to undergo effective planning. 

Mobile applications such as SaniTab, mWater, Google Forms, and Kobo Toolbox streamline field surveys and data collection, making the process more efficient and accurate. These tools enable field workers to collect and transmit data in real time, ensuring that the information is current and reliable. 

Further, the concentration of containment systems can be easily identified with the help of satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies. This capability is crucial for implementing targeted interventions, ensuring that resources are allocated to areas most in need.

Desludging services of a city tracked by GPS system

In desludging services, GPS tracking technology proves invaluable. A digital dashboard with GPS tracking makes real-time movement of desludging trucks possible. This enables authorities to track the efficiency of these services, identify areas with higher demand and optimise service routes for better coverage. 

The system needs a dedicated feature to avoid theft and security issues. In Odisha, for instance, all cesspool vehicles are equipped with GPS monitoring mechanisms and are overseen through the Smart Cities command and control centre in Bhubaneshwar. Similarly, in Wai and Sinnar in Maharashtra, an app called SaniTrack is used to monitor desludging services, setting a best practice example.Many other Indian cities have followed suit, adopting similar mechanisms to improve their FSSM services.

Monitoring the performance of the treatment system is another critical area where digital tools contribute to successful FSSM. Digital sensors installed in treatment plants monitor various parameters, such as sludge and water levels, treatment efficiency and overall system performance. The real-time data generated by these sensors enable prompt responses to operational issues, ensuring that any problems are addressed quickly. 

Odisha has been a pioneer in adopting digital solutions for FSSM. The eastern state launched a programme called Sustainable Urban Services in a Jiffy by the Odisha Government (SUJOG) which is powered by a free, open-source platform called Digital Infrastructure for Governance, Impact and Transformation (DIGIT) developed by the eGov foundation. It enables the collection of data, allowing for gaps and areas of improvement to be identified across the sanitation value chain.

Data analytics has enhanced decision-making in FSSM. The huge amount of data generated from sensors, monitoring devices and other sources can be analysed using big data techniques. This analysis provides insights into trends, patterns and potential issues, so that authorities can make more strategic and effective decisions.

To make the process easier, Faecal Sludge Management Alliance (FSMA) has developed a platform called FSM Tool Box, which provides 360-degree knowledge about planning, design and implementation of FSSM ranging from technical, financial, administrative, regulatory aspects. 

Similarly, Athena Infonomics has developed a tool called EquiServe — a common analytical platform that decision-makers can use to reflect on the current situation, discuss and explore different service model options. 

Another tool called Shit Flow Diagram (SFD), which is seen as an analytical tool, helps in assessment of the sanitation situation of a town as well as support in advocacy and monitoring. Delhi-based think tank, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), has been in the frontline in preparing SFDs of many cities in India as well as the Global South, making FSSM sustainable in these places.

Components of faecal sludge managemet toolbox developed by FSMA

Source: FSMA

Public awareness and engagement are also being raised through digitalisation. Different digital communication channels are used for public awareness campaigns, helping disseminate information about proper sanitation practices, the importance of regular emptying, among other things.

Electronic media, podcasts, webinars, FM, social media platforms further enhance community involvement by enabling citizens to report sanitation issues, raise awareness and promote behavioural changes. Municipalities across Indian states have been doing this nicely through utilisation of local resources. A campaign called ‘MALASUR’ designed by BBC Media Action is a great example of this outreach. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital solutions for capacity building and advocacy, especially in the sanitation sector. With restrictions on physical gatherings and need for social distancing, the development of e-learning platforms has become crucial. These platforms enable continuous training, knowledge dissemination and advocacy, ensuring that personnel involved in FSSM have access to the latest information and skills necessary for efficient management. 

In recent past years, we learnt to maximise the outreach through digital platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, Moodle, Coursera, among others. CSE, for instance, is running many online short-term courses on different themes. These courses and related resource material are easily accessible on the Moodle platform.

Towards equipping officials as well as to serve the purpose of knowledge dissemination, organisations created easy-to-access web-based platforms such as Menu on Un-Networked Technologies (MOUNT) and the Sanitation Capacity Building Platform (SCBP). These platforms offer comprehensive training material, case studies, research, publications etc that allows an uninterrupted learning and professional development. MOUNT is an aggregator platform divided into four categories – Onsite Sanitation System, Decentralised Wastewater Treatment, Faecal Sludge Management and In-situ treatment. The categories include numerous technologies and respective best management practices from India and Global South. 

This digital revolution in FSSM is not without challenges: 

• Integration of digital solutions in any existing infrastructure requires a significant capital investment. Municipalities struggling with finances might not adopt such innovative solutions.
• Hacking and tracking of softwares have become common. So, there might be chances of privacy breaches and loss / theft of collected data.
• To get the competitive and advance data, regular technological modifications will be needed or they will be obsolete quickly.
• Digital tools can work better in the core area of a town and face challenges in fringe areas because of poor internet connectivity and power supply.
• The major challenge with municipalities is that they don’t have enough resources to operate and maintain such digital solutions. There is always uncertainty regarding who will be responsible for long-run sustainability of these systems. 

Experts in the field of sustainable FSSM have offered their suggestions to bridge these gaps. First, all cities with FSSM infrastructure should develop a digital dashboard for tracking and monitoring the desludging services and treatment efficiency of the FSTP. Both private and government owned desludging vehicles should be equipped with the GPS system.

Second, state-level monitoring systems should track the performance of all FSTP regularly. A digital helpline number as well as online grievance redressal cell should be set up. 

Third, digital monitoring solutions should be incorporated at the time of planning an FSSM project and budgetary aspects of the same to be furnished. This will provide a smooth and timely installation.

Fourth, the state or municipality should develop a proper mechanism for ensuring privacy and security of the data and information collected.

Fifth, there should be a dedicated skilled team to operate and maintain these digital systems. They should be trained properly.

And finally, municipalities can develop a mechanism for selling by-products online, so that farmers or any other needy person can raise a request digitally.

Digital solutions also enable timely interventions, preventing environmental hazards and optimizing service delivery, and are pivotal in creating a sanitation system that benefits both communities and the environment.