Delegation from Madhya Pradesh on Exposure Visit to Odisha to Learn about FSSM, Urban Rural Convergence in Sanitation

Bhubaneswar: An official delegation from Madhya Pradesh has made an exposure visit to Odisha to learn about Odisha model for Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), Solid Waste Management and Urban Rural Convergence in sanitation under 5T initiative.

The delegation comprising 11 senior officers including 7 IAS officers visited Odisha from September 25 to 27.

The three-day long was organized by Odisha Urban Academy (OUA) to provide learning & exposure to the visitors on Odisha model for Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), Solid Waste Management and Urban Rural Convergence in sanitation under 5T initiative.

The first day of visit had an orientation programme in OUA. Speaking on the occasion G.Mathivathanan, Principal Secretary, H&UD Department enlightening them on urban transformation in Odisha, presented an overview of different Urban Sanitation and water initiatives, missions and programs in Odisha, and the emerging challenges of re-use of harvested bio solids.

Odisha is known for its pioneering FSSM, especially decentralized community-led inclusive sanitation in the country. The State has built 118 faecal sludge treatment plants (FSTPs)/sewage treatment plants (STPs) across all 115 ULBs. The State-wide roll-out of convergence of rural & urban sanitation is currently underway, he added. He further pointed the role of Odisha Urban Academy to strengthen the capacity building ecosystems in water, sanitation and inclusive urban development space.

Director Municipal Administration cum Mission Director SBM Sangramajit Nayak made a detailed understanding of the various people centric programmes, FSSM value chain, Garima, the Dight platform and initiatives for urban-rural convergence being implemented in the State.

Among others Additional Secretary Durgesh Nadini Sahoo, Director Drinking Water & Sanitation B Parameswaran and others interacted with the delegates on various issues . Following the meeting, the team visited the Odisha Urban Academy and the FSTP in Basuaghai, Bhubaneswar. On 2nd day after visiting some wealth centres in Bhubaneswar proceeded to Jatani , Konark NAC on field visit and interacted with locals & NAC officials .Next day visited water treatment plant in Puri and discussed with officials .