Key terms and definitions used in Fecal Sludge Management.
A
AMRUT
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation - A government initiative focused on providing basic services to urban areas including water supply, sewerage, and urban transport.
B
Biosolids
Dried sludge obtained from planted drying beds after treatment, rich in nutrients (nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus) and used as soil conditioner for agriculture.
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)
A measure of the amount of oxygen required by bacteria to decompose organic matter in water or wastewater. Lower BOD indicates better water quality.
BPL (Below Poverty Line)
Economic benchmark used by the government to identify economically disadvantaged individuals and households eligible for subsidized services.
C
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
A measure of the total quantity of oxygen required to oxidize all organic material in water or wastewater.
Co-treatment
The process of treating Fecal sludge together with sewage at existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) that have spare capacity.
Containment System
Any system that contains human excreta, including septic tanks, single pits, twin pits, and holding tanks.
D
DDWS
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation - A department under the Ministry of Jal Shakti responsible for rural drinking water supply and sanitation.
Desludging
The process of removing accumulated sludge from septic tanks, pits, or other containment systems using mechanical or manual methods.
DPR (Detailed Project Report)
A comprehensive document that provides technical, financial, and implementation details for infrastructure projects including FSTPs.
DSO (Desludging Service Operator)
Service providers who specialize in the safe and efficient emptying, collection, and transportation of Fecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems.
F
Fecal Sludge (FS)
The mixture of human excreta, water, and solid wastes that accumulates in on-site sanitation systems such as septic tanks and pit latrines.
FSM (Fecal Sludge Management)
The complete process of collecting, transporting, treating, and safely disposing or reusing Fecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems.
FSSM (Fecal Sludge and Septage Management)
Comprehensive management approach covering policy, regulation, and operations for handling Fecal sludge and septage.
FSTP (Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant)
A facility specifically designed for treating Fecal sludge, typically using technologies like drying beds, planted drying beds, or mechanical dewatering.
G
Gram Panchayat
The local self-government organization at the village level in rural India, responsible for administration and development activities.
I
IEC (Information, Education, and Communication)
Strategies and campaigns designed to create public awareness and behavioral change regarding safe sanitation practices.
K
KLD (Kilolitres per Day)
A unit of measurement for the volume of liquid (water or sludge) processed or generated daily. 1 KLD = 1,000 liters per day.
M
MoHUA
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs - The central government ministry responsible for urban development, housing, and urban poverty alleviation.
O
O&M (Operation and Maintenance)
The ongoing activities required to keep treatment facilities and equipment functioning properly.
OSS (On-Site Sanitation)
Sanitation systems where human waste is collected and stored or treated at the location where it is generated, such as septic tanks and pit latrines.
P
PDB (Planted Drying Beds)
Drying beds with vegetation that enhance drainage and solid stabilization through plant transpiration, ideal for decentralized settings.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards, including gloves, masks, boots, and protective clothing used by desludging operators.
PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution)
Local self-government institutions at village, block, and district levels in rural India.
S
SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission)
India's nationwide cleanliness campaign launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and eliminate open defecation.
SDB (Sludge Drying Beds)
Simple, cost-effective technology for dewatering and drying Fecal sludge through natural evaporation and drainage.
Septic Tank
An underground chamber that receives wastewater from toilets, allowing solids to settle and partially decompose before the liquid effluent flows out.
Septage
The liquid and solid material pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, or other primary treatment source.
Soak Pit
A covered, porous-walled chamber that allows liquid effluent from a septic tank to slowly seep into the surrounding soil.
STP (Sewage Treatment Plant)
A facility designed to treat wastewater from sewer networks using physical, chemical, and biological processes.
T
TSS (Total Suspended Solids)
A measure of the solid particles suspended in water or wastewater, used as an indicator of water quality.
Twin Pit System
A sanitation system with two alternating pits, where one pit is used while the contents of the other pit decompose and can be safely emptied.
U
ULB (Urban Local Body)
Local self-government institutions in urban areas, including municipal corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats.
W
WASH
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene - A collective term for activities and programs related to safe water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion.