Context:
Maharashtra has emerged as a pioneer in urban–rural partnerships for faecal sludge management (FSM) under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II, addressing a critical sanitation gap despite widespread ODF Plus declarations.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Policy Details
• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launched in 2014 aimed at universal toilet access and elimination of open defecation.
• SBM–G Phase II shifts focus from toilet construction to ODF Plus, covering solid and liquid waste management, FSM, and behavioural change.
Data, Targets, Schemes Mentioned
• As of October 2025, 5.68 lakh villages (≈97%) declared ODF Plus.
• FSM remains a major implementation gap due to reliance on septic tanks and pits in rural areas.
Innovative Models and Stakeholders Involved
• Satara district (Maharashtra) links rural villages to Satara city’s faecal sludge treatment plant through scheduled desludging services.
• Funding through a sanitation tax, ensuring regular, affordable services.
• Mayani village is developing a cluster-level FSM plant to serve nearly 80 surrounding villages.
• Collaboration among urban local bodies, Gram Panchayats, private operators, and citizens.
Significance / Applications / Concerns
• Ensures safe collection, transport, and treatment of faecal waste.
• Prevents groundwater contamination, improves public health, and protects the environment.
• Demonstrates scalable, cooperative governance between urban and rural institutions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Open Defecation Free (ODF): Use of toilets and safe disposal of faeces.
• Faecal Sludge Management: End-to-end management of waste from septic tanks and pits.
• Gram Panchayat: Village-level local self-government critical for SBM implementation.
• ODF Plus: Includes FSM, solid–liquid waste management, and behaviour change.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Governance Innovation: Urban–rural partnerships reduce duplication of infrastructure and improve efficiency.
• Social Justice Dimension: Equitable access to sanitation services for rural populations.
• Environmental Impact: Proper FSM reduces pollution and sustains sanitation gains.
• Fiscal Sustainability: User charges and sanitation taxes ensure long-term service delivery.
- Way Forward:
– Replicate cluster-based FSM models nationwide.
– Strengthen capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions.
– Promote private sector participation with regulation.
– Integrate FSM with climate-resilient water and sanitation planning.
UPSC Relevance
• GS 2: Governance, Social Justice, Local Self-Government
• GS 3: Environment, Sustainable Development
• Prelims: SBM, ODF, FSM concepts