Rajasthan’s expediting implementation and O&M of Sanitation infrastructure through Innovative Training on SLWM

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Introduction:

In the pursuit of achieving and sustaining Open Defecation Free (ODF) plus status, Rajasthan has focused on accelerating the implementation and strengthening the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) infrastructure. The state, with support from UNICEF, conducted the comprehensive training to accelerate SLWM implementation that incorporated learnings from the SBM(G)- Phase 1 and the bottlenecks faced during the implementation of SLWM technologies collated through evidence-based field findings and reviews done by the state and UNICEF.

Process:

Under the leadership of the District Collector, a two-day hands-on training session was organised with a total of 60 participants from Kekdi, Ajmer, and Beawar Districts. It was equipped with technical and administrative teams comprising of Assistant Engineers (AEs’), Junior Engineers (JEs’), Junior Technical Associates (JTAs), Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Block Coordinators (BCs) with locally relevant information and essential skills needed for SLWM planning, implementation, and monitoring.  The training addressed localized challenges and showcased the establishment of Rajasthan’s inaugural “Sanitation Park” in Lasadiya village, highlighting the SLWM technologies that were tailored to the district’s typology and demographics covering both household and community level assets.

Key Outcomes:

The training resulted in a deepened understanding of SLWM operations, composting, and correct construction methodologies among participants’. The detailed explanation and information on the material provided at the Sanitation Park bolstered stakeholders’ capacity, including masons, who emerged as crucial allies in promoting SLWM adoption. The training also heightened awareness of climate resilient SLWM practices and emphasized the importance of ongoing maintenance for environmental sanitation.

Way Forward & Conclusion:

Building on this momentum, Rajasthan is committed to sustaining progress through continued stakeholder capacity building (including sanitation workers) enabling O&M of SLWM technologies, and replication of sanitation parks. Community engagement shall remain central to the work, with plans for further training, exposure visits, and integration of SLWM practices in educational institutions. Rajasthan’s innovative approach underscores its dedication to a cleaner, healthier future for all.

With inputs Mr. Rushabh Hemani, WASH Specialist, UNICEF, Rajasthan at rhemani@unicef.org

For more information: Contact Bhoopen Jarwal, LWM Specialist at bhanujarwal94@gmail.com

Published by sbmgramin

Swachh Bharat Mission is India’s first mass movement for a clean nation. Launched on October 2, 2014, the Prime Minister’s flagship programme has made the issue of sanitation a national priority. The campaign seeks to make the country open defecation free by October 2, 2019, as a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. We, at the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation manage the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), under which we are constantly working towards the improvement of cleanliness in rural India. Across the country, Swachh Bharat has become a massive movement led by people’s participation. We welcome you to our blog, where we have compiled some of the many many success stories of people's participation that we receive from the States and districts.

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