Odisha Strengthens Urban Sanitation Push with FSSM Learning Workshop

Bhubaneswar: Reinforcing its leadership in urban sanitation, Odisha on Monday convened a high-level Learning Workshop on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM), bringing policymakers, sector experts and knowledge partners together to chart the next phase of the State’s sanitation journey.

Organised by the Housing & Urban Development Department at the Odisha Urban Academy, the workshop was held in collaboration with TSU-FSSM (EY) and Dasra. The platform focused on consolidating Odisha’s pioneering work in FSSM while exploring innovative solutions to strengthen long-term sustainability and scale.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) and TIDE Technocrats Ltd. The MoU, signed in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, will facilitate the establishment of a state-of-the-art pyrolysis unit at the Basuaghai Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP). The initiative aims to enable advanced biosolids treatment, promote resource recovery and advance circular economy practices in the sanitation sector.

The workshop also featured a structured stakeholder consultation, during which participants shared actionable recommendations to further strengthen Odisha’s FSSM framework. Discussions focused on improving operational efficiency, ensuring financial sustainability and aligning future interventions with the State’s vision of Vikshit Odisha.

Addressing the gathering, Padhee commended the collective efforts of the State Government and its partners, describing Odisha’s FSSM programme as “a bright star in the urban development domain” that has earned recognition at both national and international levels. She also acknowledged the decade-long support of the Gates Foundation in strengthening sanitation initiatives across the State.

Binaya Kumar Dash, Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department and Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), said the learning workshop marked an important milestone in enhancing the future-readiness, scalability and sustainability of Odisha’s FSSM ecosystem.

Senior officials from urban local bodies, technical experts and representatives of partner organisations participated in the workshop, reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to innovative, inclusive and sustainable urban sanitation solutions.