Keystone Foundation Archives

Items

• The National Academia Conclave on Urban Sanitation
  The National Academia Conclave on Urban Sanitation, held at CEPT University from March 9-10, 2019, focused on advancing knowledge and practices in non-networked sanitation through collaboration among academic institutions. The event aimed to integrate urban sanitation into educational curricula, enhancing training for students and professionals. Key activities included discussions on sanitation challenges, capacity building workshops, and sharing best practices among 45-50 faculty members and over 100 students from various universities. The conclave underscored the need for decentralized sanitation solutions and aimed to foster cross-learning and innovation to improve urban sanitation in India.
• Safe disposal and Incinerators
  The guide outlines essential factors for selecting incinerators for disposing of sanitary napkins in schools, highlighting the importance of efficiency, emission control, and maintenance. Two main types of incinerators are discussed: manually operated fire-based and electric models, with varying capacities and costs. Key considerations include the collection frequency of used materials, construction quality, operator training, and safety measures. Additionally, alternative disposal methods like deep burial and composting are mentioned, noting their advantages and limitations. Overall, the emphasis is on ensuring hygienic, effective waste management while adhering to safety and environmental standards.
• Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Policy and Operational Guidelines
  The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation has established a Faecal Sludge and Septage Management Policy to enhance sanitation and public health in the city, supported by USAID and WSUP Advisory. The policy focuses on effective management of faecal sludge through improved treatment, transport, and disposal practices, aiming for universal sanitation coverage. It outlines operational guidelines, emphasizes community engagement, and integrates financial sustainability to ensure long-term service viability. The initiative aligns with national sanitation goals, promoting cleaner environments and reducing health risks, particularly for low-income populations reliant on onsite sanitation systems.
• Guide to Septage Treatment and Disposal
  The "EPA Guide to Septage Treatment and Disposal" serves as a practical resource for managing the handling, treatment, and disposal of domestic septage. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of administrators, inspectors, haulers, and facility operators, emphasizing the importance of regulatory compliance and effective management to safeguard public health and the environment. The guide discusses various treatment options, including land application, treatment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and independent facilities, while noting the challenges posed by septage characteristics. It also highlights the need for odor control measures and provides guidelines for developing a successful septage management program.
• GLASS RECYCLING IN INDIA
  The seminar on glass recycling in India highlighted the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling glass to manage waste effectively. Key challenges include lack of public awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and primitive waste collection methods. The glass industry must take the lead in educating citizens and collaborating with government and NGOs to enhance recycling efforts. Successful examples from countries like Germany emphasize the need for strict regulations and responsible packaging practices. The seminar urged the industry to advocate for improved facilities and support for recycled materials, aiming to boost the recycling rate and reduce environmental impact.
• Co-Composting Reduces Helminth Eggs in Fecal Sludge
  This study explores co-composting as a method to reduce helminth eggs in fecal sludge from public toilets and septic tanks in Kumasi, Ghana. Co-composting with organic market waste effectively sanitizes the sludge, making it safe for agricultural use. Key findings indicate that maintaining temperatures above 45°C is crucial for helminth egg die-off, with significant reductions achieved within 60 days. The study highlights the importance of turning frequency on compost quality, suggesting that less frequent turning does not notably affect pathogen reduction. Overall, co-composting presents a viable solution for managing fecal sludge while promoting agricultural sustainability.
• The Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Periyanaicken Palayam
  The Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in Periyanaicken Palayam aims to address sanitation needs for the local population of 53,000 by handling up to 30,000 liters of septage daily from unsewered households. The process includes a Septage Receiving Station for initial screening and grit settling, followed by a storage tank for homogenization and sludge settling. Dewatering units treat the sludge for composting, while a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) processes the liquid waste through aerobic and anoxic treatment stages. Final water treatment involves pressure sand filters, activated carbon filters, and UV disinfection before storage for reuse.
• Employment Through Skill Training and Placement
  The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India has revised the operational guidelines for the Employment through Skill Training and Placement (EST&P) component of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). This initiative aims to provide skill training to the urban poor, enhancing their employability for both self-employment and wage jobs. The program focuses on filling skill gaps identified through local analyses, ensuring training is market-oriented and compliant with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Additional support is provided for specific groups, such as persons with disabilities, and guidelines include cost norms, training provider selection, and post-training tracking to ensure successful placements and skill utilization.
• Faecal Sludge Management (FSM)
  Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) is increasingly recognized as essential for public health in urban areas, particularly in developing countries, where the management of faecal sludge from on-site sanitation systems is often inadequate. This training module emphasizes the development of tailored FSM strategies and treatment options, highlighting successful initiatives in regions like West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America that address challenges such as improper disposal and health risks. Key components of FSM include the collection, treatment, and reuse of faecal sludge, with a focus on integrating technical and non-technical aspects, stakeholder involvement, and financial models to improve sanitation practices and public health outcomes.
• WQI to Monitor Water Quality for Irrigation and Potable Use
  The research bulletin discusses the development of a Water Quality Index (WQI) aimed at assessing the suitability of poor-quality water for irrigation and potable use in India, particularly in the context of increasing water scarcity and pollution. The WQI integrates various chemical parameters to evaluate water quality and has been validated through case studies along the Daya River and Rushikuliya Command area. Results indicate that a significant proportion of water samples are of poor to unsuitable quality, primarily due to contamination from pollutants such as nitrates, iron, and heavy metals. This highlights the urgent need for effective monitoring and treatment strategies to ensure safe water usage in agriculture and for drinking.
• ORP Management in Wastewater as an Indicator of Process Efficiency
  Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is increasingly utilized in municipal wastewater treatment to monitor biological processes that affect water quality. ORP readings, taken via probes submerged in wastewater, provide immediate data indicating the efficiency of treatment processes such as nitrification, denitrification, and phosphorus removal. Different ORP ranges correspond to specific reactions: nitrification occurs at +100 to +350 mV, while denitrification and biological phosphorus removal occur within +50 to -50 mV and +25 to +250 mV, respectively. By maintaining optimal ORP levels, operators can prevent malodors and undesirable biological growth, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness.
• The Regulations and Responsibilities related to occupational health
  Chapter XV outlines the regulations and responsibilities related to occupational health, particularly under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, focusing on Railway doctors. It emphasizes the necessity for medical examinations and certifications for injured workmen, detailing definitions, types of disablement, and the process for assessing compensation claims. The chapter also covers the roles of medical officers in injury assessments, the maintenance of medical records, and procedures for reporting injuries. Additionally, it highlights the importance of occupational health, preventive measures, and periodic medical examinations to ensure worker safety and well-being within the railway environment.
• PARTNERSHIPS IN SANITATION BUSINESS OF CHANGE
  The India Sanitation Coalition's publication emphasizes the vital role of partnerships in achieving sanitation goals under the Swachh Bharat Mission. It highlights how collaboration among government, corporations, civil society, and donors has led to significant advancements, resulting in over 600,000 villages and 3,500 cities becoming Open Defecation Free (ODF). The publication contains a compendium of best practices showcasing successful multi-stakeholder initiatives that address various sanitation challenges, including technology integration, community engagement, and financing models. By fostering these partnerships and sharing innovative solutions, the Coalition aims to inspire further efforts towards sustainable sanitation in India.
• Budget Highlights_2017-18
  The 2017-18 Tamil Nadu Budget emphasizes five key missions: water resource management, poverty reduction, housing for the poor, skill development, and sanitation, alongside eleven developmental focus areas. It outlines the implementation of 164 electoral promises, including increased maternity assistance and housing for fishermen. Significant allocations are made for infrastructure, health, education, and social welfare, with the aim of enhancing livelihoods and public services. The budget also addresses fiscal management, projecting a revenue deficit while ensuring capital expenditure remains within acceptable limits. Overall, the budget aims to foster comprehensive development and welfare for the state's residents.
• SCHOOL SANITATION AND HYGIENE EDUCATION (School Sanitation Support (SSS) project)
  The School Sanitation Support (SSS) project, initiated by UNICEF and the Government of India, aims to enhance sanitation and hygiene education in rural primary schools and Anganwadi centers. It seeks to address inadequacies in existing sanitation facilities by integrating hardware improvements with health education. The project will operate in two to three states, targeting 500 primary schools and 250 Anganwadi centers per district, focusing on participatory methodologies. Key objectives include improving hygiene practices, enhancing community involvement, and reducing waterborne diseases. The project will be implemented through School Sanitation and Hygiene Education teams, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders for sustainable outcomes.
• Clean hands - A recipe for health
  Global Handwashing Day promotes the crucial role of handwashing with soap in preventing diseases and saving lives, particularly related to food hygiene and nutrition. The 2018 theme, “Clean hands - A recipe for health,” highlights how proper handwashing before cooking, eating, and feeding can reduce foodborne illnesses, especially in children under five. Handwashing is linked to improved nutrition outcomes by decreasing diarrhea-related diseases, which hinder nutrient absorption. Effective hygiene practices can significantly lower the risk of malnutrition and support child growth. Overall, integrating handwashing into daily routines and community practices is essential for enhancing health and well-being.
• Wetland Case study_ Riffle Range
  Rifle Range is a wetland in Kotagiri, surrounded by residential areas, facing encroachment despite its damp environment. Over the past two decades, housing demand has led to increased construction, threatening the wetland's integrity. Historically, the site hosted a distillery, and eucalyptus trees were planted to dry the land for development. The wetland serves as a vital water source for the community, but over-extraction and sewage contamination are degrading water quality. Conservation efforts must focus on raising awareness among residents, regulating water extraction, and improving waste management to restore the wetland's health and ecological functions.
• Water, waste and wildlife_ Workshop 01
  The workshop on water, waste, and wildlife focused on identifying and restoring water resources, addressing waste management, and monitoring wildlife, particularly gaur. Key discussions included the need for community engagement in restoration efforts, improving water quality, and creating educational initiatives related to wetlands. The workshop highlighted the significant waste generation in Kotagiri, with inadequate landfill space and the impact of waste on water sources. Wildlife monitoring revealed changes in gaur movement due to land use, emphasizing the importance of coexistence strategies between humans and wildlife. Overall, the meeting aimed to develop actionable plans for environmental conservation and community involvement.
• Ubaranni Haada & the Story of Change
  A stakeholder consultation workshop in Kotagiri aimed to address water conservation issues, revealing that locals mistakenly believed the Eelada dam was their only water source. The discussion highlighted environmental challenges, including the depletion of wetlands and pollution from waste disposal. The Kotagiri Citizens Collective (KCC) initiated community engagement to tackle waste issues, leading to clean-up drives and awareness campaigns, particularly regarding the disposal of sanitary napkins. The efforts gained attention from local authorities, resulting in a visit from the District Collector, who showed interest in a proposal to create a Wetland Park, emphasizing the importance of preserving local ecosystems for both environmental and cultural reasons.
• Water crisis at Global level
  The global water crisis is exacerbated by a rapidly increasing population and unsustainable freshwater use, impacting two billion people across 40 countries. While only 2.5% of Earth's water is freshwater, less than 1% is usable, leading to severe water scarcity, especially in developing nations where consumption is drastically lower than in industrialized countries. Poor water quality and pollution contribute to millions of deaths from water-related diseases, particularly among children. Urgent measures are needed to ensure sustainable management and equitable distribution of water resources, especially in vulnerable regions like the Nilgiris, where community involvement and innovative solutions are vital for overcoming water shortages and pollution challenges.
• PRC Presentation
  The Nilgiris Water Resources Project involves a comprehensive survey of water resources across four river basins, encompassing 55 villages and over 71,000 residents from various communities. The project identifies 120 water sources and addresses issues such as seasonal water scarcity, reliance on traditional management systems, and the need for effective community involvement in water management. It highlights the importance of springs and aquifers, the impact of pollution, and the challenges posed by commercial exploitation. The initiative also includes plans for improved infrastructure, community training, and sustainability measures to ensure equitable water access and long-term resource management.
• HILL WATER RESOURCES & LIVELIHOODS
  The Nilgiri Water Resources initiative, launched in 2002, surveyed four river basins and 55 villages in Nilgiri, highlighting the need for sustainable water management due to dwindling domestic water sources and weak community management systems. The Sigur Project aims to address these issues by forming Water User Groups, conducting water audits, and implementing quality testing. Key activities include mapping water resources, improving distribution systems, and developing community institutions for better cooperation. The project also focuses on enhancing water access and quality for indigenous communities while addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable practices.
• Coonoor River Walk
  The Coonoor River faces significant environmental challenges due to pollution and mismanagement, which has turned it into a dumping ground and threatens local wildlife and communities. Six sources of the river were surveyed, revealing issues such as contaminated water from agricultural runoff, sewage, and waste from nearby towns. The river supports diverse life forms but suffers from high pollution levels, particularly near populated areas where human activities like washing and farming contribute to its degradation. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to restore and protect the river's health and its surrounding ecosystems.
• Wetlands Conservation & Sustainable Management in the Nilgiris, Final Project Report & Local Management Plan
  The report highlights the urgent need for wetlands conservation in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, due to their ecological significance and biodiversity. Wetlands are vital for local communities and wildlife but face threats from agriculture, pollution, and invasive species. The project, supported by the IUCN, involved surveying 38 wetlands, developing local management plans, and emphasizing community involvement. Key strategies include raising awareness, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and restoring degraded wetlands. Specific management plans for five representative wetlands were created to address preservation challenges and promote ecological health, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and education.
• SIGUR WATER RESOURCES PROJECT
  The Sigur Water Resources Project, conducted by the Keystone Foundation in the Nilgiris district, aimed to improve water management for marginalized indigenous communities in nine villages. The project involved assessing local water resources, documenting water usage, and creating sustainable community-based water management plans. Key findings highlighted the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure, exacerbated by climate variability and human activities. The project fostered the formation of Water User Groups (WUGs) for local governance and resource management. A digital water portal was established to facilitate data sharing and promote sustainable practices, aiming for long-term ecological balance and community empowerment.