Cuttack’s Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant Emerges as Model of Inclusive Urban Governance

Cuttack: The Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) operated by the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) at Matagajapur has evolved into much more than a sanitation facility, standing as a strong symbol of dignity, inclusion and social transformation in urban governance. By combining scientific faecal sludge management with people-centric policy, the initiative reflects Odisha’s commitment to environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive development.

What sets the Cuttack FSTP apart is the human story at its core. The operation and maintenance of the plant are being handled by transgender persons engaged under the State’s GARIMA scheme. Once pushed to the margins by stigma and exclusion, these individuals today play a central role in delivering an essential urban service, earning respect, stable livelihoods and social recognition through their work.

Seven members of the self-help group — Susri Seetal Bastia, Secretary; Tanushree Behera, President; and members Sibane, Pritam Singh, Suman, Tiki and Ranjan Kumar Sahoo — collectively manage the day-to-day functioning of the facility. Their coordinated efforts ensure the smooth treatment of faecal sludge collected from across the city, directly contributing to cleaner neighbourhoods and improved public health.

The FSTP has a treatment capacity of 60 kilolitres per day and is supported by 13 cesspool vehicles operated by trained drivers and desludgers. Together, this system enables regular and reliable desludging services for households and establishments in Cuttack. On average, several hundred desludging trips are carried out each month, ensuring the safe and scientific treatment of faecal sludge while reducing environmental and health risks.

The journey of the GARIMA workers from social exclusion to meaningful employment highlights the transformative impact of responsive and compassionate governance. What was once a daily struggle for survival has been replaced by a life of purpose, dignity and contribution to the city’s well-being.

In a further step towards comprehensive inclusion, the Government of Odisha has announced plans to extend housing support to GARIMA workers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), following their enrolment through Sahajog. This measure aims to ensure long-term stability and security, reinforcing the idea that dignity extends beyond livelihood to safe and permanent housing.

Through this integrated approach, the Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, has reaffirmed that sanitation is ultimately about people. By weaving together infrastructure, social inclusion, livelihood security and housing support, Odisha is setting an inspiring example of urban governance that is both humane and effective.