AMRUT
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation - a Government of India mission focused on urban infrastructure including water supply, sewerage, and septage management.
BOD
Biochemical Oxygen Demand - a measure of the amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic organisms to break down organic material in water. Used to assess water quality and treatment efficiency.
BPL
Below Poverty Line - households classified as economically disadvantaged, often eligible for subsidized services including desludging.
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand - a measure of the total quantity of oxygen required to oxidize all organic material in water. Typically higher than BOD.
DDWS
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation - a department under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, responsible for rural water supply and sanitation programs.
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 emptying, collection, and transportation of faecal sludge using mechanized vehicles like vacuum tankers.
FS
Faecal Sludge - the raw or partially digested slurry or solid that results from collection and storage of human excreta in on-site sanitation systems.
FSM
Faecal Sludge Management - the full service chain for managing faecal sludge from containment through emptying, transport, treatment, and safe end use or disposal.
FSSM
Faecal Sludge and Septage Management - comprehensive management of faecal sludge and septage (liquid and solid material pumped from septic tanks).
FSTP
Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant - a dedicated facility designed to treat faecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems, producing safe end products.
IEC
Information, Education, and Communication - strategies and materials used to raise awareness and change behavior regarding sanitation practices.
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.
MoHUA
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs - a ministry of the Government of India responsible for urban development policies and programs including Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
O&M
Operation and Maintenance - ongoing activities required to keep infrastructure (like FSTPs) functioning effectively, including routine maintenance, repairs, and staffing.
OSS
On-Site Sanitation - sanitation systems where human excreta is collected and stored on the property, including septic tanks, pit latrines, and holding tanks.
PDB
Planted Drying Bed - a treatment technology using beds planted with wetland vegetation to dewater and treat faecal sludge through natural processes.
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment - safety gear worn by desludging operators including gloves, boots, masks, goggles, and protective clothing to prevent exposure to pathogens.
PRI
Panchayati Raj Institution - local self-government bodies in rural India at village, block, and district levels, responsible for local governance including sanitation.
SBM
Swachh Bharat Mission - "Clean India Mission" launched by the Government of India to achieve universal sanitation coverage. SBM-U (Urban) and SBM-G (Grameen/Rural) address urban and rural sanitation respectively.
SDB
Sludge Drying Bed - a simple treatment technology using open beds with sand and gravel layers to dewater faecal sludge through drainage and evaporation.
STP
Sewage Treatment Plant - a facility designed to treat wastewater from sewered areas. Can potentially be used for co-treatment of faecal sludge if capacity permits.
TSS
Total Suspended Solids - the total amount of solid material suspended in water, measured in mg/L. An important parameter for assessing treatment efficiency.
ULB
Urban Local Body - municipal corporations, municipalities, and town panchayats responsible for urban governance including sanitation services.