Uttar Pradesh's Sanitation Crisis: Toilets Built, But Waste Treatment Plants Underused, Report Finds

Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, is facing a significant environmental and public health crisis related to sanitation, even as it celebrates 100% toilet coverage under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban). While numerous Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and co-treatment facilities have been constructed across its towns to manage waste from septic tanks and non-sewered toilets, a recent report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) indicates a serious problem of underutilization.

According to the report, titled “Decoding Desludging Challenges in Towns of Uttar Pradesh,” at least 18 of these vital treatment plants are operating at a mere 20% of their capacity as of April 2025. The CSE examined four towns—Raebareli, Sitapur, Shikohabad, and Gonda—finding that while Shikohabad and Gonda have steady waste inflows, Raebareli and Sitapur struggle to fill their treatment units.

The report attributes this low operational capacity to a combination of infrastructural, physical, and behavioral barriers. These issues often begin at the waste containment level, such as poorly constructed or maintained septic tanks, which are basic underground wastewater treatment systems used in areas without underground sewers. The failure to effectively collect and transport faecal sludge to these plants means that even advanced facilities are not functioning as intended, leading to potential pollution and health hazards.

Impact This underutilization poses a direct threat to public health and the environment. Untreated or inadequately treated faecal sludge can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases. The crisis highlights critical gaps in the implementation and ongoing management of sanitation infrastructure projects. Rating: 8/10

Heading: Terms * **Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP)**: A facility designed to treat waste collected from on-site sanitation systems like pit latrines and septic tanks, which are common in areas without underground sewer networks. * **Co-treatment Facility**: A sewage treatment plant that has been modified or adapted to also process faecal sludge alongside regular sewage. * **Septic Tank**: An underground, watertight chamber that receives household wastewater from toilets and other drains. It partially treats the waste and stores solid material. * **Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban)**: A flagship program of the Indian government launched in 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage, clean streets, and improve waste management in urban areas across India.