2008 ASEI Sanitation Symposium Practical Approaches to Improve Sanitation & Hygiene in India Suresh Chandnani, PE, CHMM President- ASEI Florida Chapter Vice President, SRC Services International, Inc Orlando, FL (This presentation material is copyrighted by SRC Services International, Inc.)

Sanitary conditions & challenges in India Less than 20% of India’s rural population has access to safe & hygienic sanitation facilities An estimated 650 million Indians defecate in the open every day, and as a result an estimated 200,000 tons of fecal matter are deposited in the open every day Household waste on streets and in sewers Unsanitary conditions in public toilets in urban areas Industrial & Hazardous Waste on open land creating dump yards, and open invitation for other types of wastes incl. medical wastes Drinking Water not safe or hygienic in rural areas Each year diarrhea kills over 500,000 people in India. Diseases such as Cholera, Typhoid, Hepatitis, and Polio still occur in India in significant numbers

Definition of Sanitation (WHO) Sanitation generally refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and feces. Inadequate sanitation is a major cause of disease world-wide and improving sanitation is known to have a significant beneficial impact on health both in households and across communities. The word 'sanitation' also refers to the maintenance of hygienic conditions, through services such as garbage collection and wastewater disposal.

Sanitation Problem Analysis There is no one-size fits all solution to sanitation & hygiene problems in India. The Govt. of India & local govts. have tried this approach and failed. Rural & urban slum areas each need different solutions Awareness of the importance of sanitation and hygiene is lacking amongst certain segments of populations Over population and lack of adequate facilities is also a major issue Supply driven projects have been a failure in India, they are under-used and poorly maintained Lack of funding for sanitation and hygiene projects at the local government level causes the problem to increase each year with increases in population Regulations to control these unsanitary conditions are lax or don’t exist in some areas, and will need to be tightened so that enforcement is meaningful

Steps to solve sanitation problems in India Identify project area based on agreed upon priorities Determine criteria & parameters to improve sanitation Determine the population, demographics, needs of business and institutional sector Determine types of sanitation facilities required for each unique application Determine feasible technologies for each application Understand the role of local govt. NGOs, and volunteer organizations in the local project area Check applicable local regulations affecting each project

List of technologies currently available for sanitation and toilet systems, globally Twin Pit (ventilated latrine) sanitation technology utilized by Sulabh Technology Pour Flush Latrines Composting latrines Aqua privies AfriSan waterless technology Vacu-tug technology Portable plastic (polyethylene) toilets Septic Tanks with drain fields Sewerage collection and treatment systems

Criteria to Consider in Selection of Viable Technologies Availability of water for sanitation & toilet systems Availability of electricity or need for electrical generators Vicinity to solid waste disposal facilities Pick up service for liquid or semi-solid sanitary waste Geological characteristics of local area, depth of seasonal high groundwater level, soil density & porosity The magnitude of sanitation facility needs (# of toilets reqd. , number of customers to be served at normal and peak hours, services reqd. for large institutions, schools, govt. buildings, community centers, etc. )

Conditions for Sanitary Latrines established by World Health Organization (WHO) Sanitary latrine should not contaminate surface soil, groundwater, or surface water Excreta should not be accessible to flies or animals or birds There should be no odor or unsightliness Should be inexpensive in construction & operation Sanitary Waste should not be left in the open, it should be buried in a pit or transported offsite to a solid waste disposal facility

Assignment of Responsibilities for Successful Project Implementation Initial Public Awareness and Education (NGO, consultant or local govt.) Conducting sanitation facility feasibility & site location studies & surveys (consultant) Developing a conceptual master plan and cost estimates(consultant. Local govt) Assisting with public meetings and meetings with regulators (consultant) For financing the capital costs required for infrastructure (Local govt. NGO, investors, private-public partnerships, charity organizations), Collecting funds to run and maintain the systems (local govt., NGOs, private public partnerships) Operating and maintaining the systems (local govt, local waste services contractor) Project integration so that the overall project is eco-friendly, sustainable for a long period of time and adequate for the intended purpose ( project leader, consultant, private-public partnership.

Success Model For Sanitation Projects for promotion of greener environment Five ‘E’s Environment - protect it Energy - conserve it Education & Awareness - promote it Excellence in Innovation – practice it Engage local govt, regulators, stakeholders, investors and consultants – make informed & practically sound decisions for better quality of life that is sustainable for generations

Development of a Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Sanitation system Develop environmentally acceptable sanitation facilities (incl. toilet systems, etc.) and install them so that they do not degrade living conditions or cause unhygienic conditions Provide wastewater treatment plants (incl . package plants) for larger communities, institutions, schools, etc. with provision for water recycling Develop adequate solid waste disposal facilities for wastewater sludges, domestic waste vacuumed from dry toilets or other waste that has no other uses. Ensure that water for drinking is kept separate from water used for toilets, to avoid cross contamination. Develop a system to regularly maintain the toilets and the wastewater systems to prevent bad odors, flies, and other similar nuisances Develop systems to encourage waste composting so that it can be converted to fertilizers that can be used for agricultural applications. Establish public awareness programs on sanitation & hygiene in all communities that have existing or new sanitation facilities

Strategies for ‘sanitation project success’ in developing countries Secure full understanding of local laws, regulations, policies procedures & politics Form alliances with local partners and stakeholders that can promote the message of sanitation and hygiene in rural areas. Provide technical solutions that are practical & sustainable in a local economy, be a pioneer or innovator, not a follower Try to utilize indigenous materials & products as much as possible, this will create tangible benefits to local economy Work closely with regulators so that they fully understand the benefits of your services and products Make solutions more cost effective & efficient to implement, think “months instead of years”. Avoid middlemen and business brokers who might impede progress and inject politics & corruption into decision making Utilize motivational approaches to change sanitation behaviors in communities, utilize ‘demand based’ approaches, with meaningful contributions by local community members and end users of sanitation services

Questions?