TNUSSP

IIHS-TNUSSP at IWA 2025

The IIHS–led Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) made a strong presence at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2025, contributing to global dialogues on water, sanitation, and inclusive urban service delivery. Represented by Sasikumar Eswaramurthy and N. Abhilaasha, the team engaged in a rich programme of knowledge exchange through three workshops, a panel discussion, a technical presentation, and a poster pitch, interacting with practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from across the world.

These engagements helped position IIHS–TNUSSP’s practice-based learnings within global innovation pathways for sustainable urban sanitation, reaffirming our commitment to evidence-informed and collaborative solutions.

Over 85 sanitation workers in Kannagi Nagar have completed a two-part Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training organised by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS) with support from the HCLFoundation. These workers, engaged in solid waste management, drainage clearance, and pumping station operations, are vital to the community’s health and cleanliness.

The first module, held on 30 August, focused on workplace safety protocols, hazard identification, and protective measures, and featured sessions by Dr Sathappan from Ramachandra Medical College and Dr Prabhakar, with a keynote by Dr Manivelan, State Nodal Officer (SNC–OHS), and the presence of TNUHDB Community Officers.

The second module, conducted on 13 September, highlighted occupational health and first aid through interactive demonstrations led by specialists from the State Nodal Office for OHS and ESI Hospital, with Ms Aishwarya from HCL Foundation and Mr Tirupathi, Assistant Executive Engineer, TNUHDB, as special guests.

At the conclusion, participants received certificates and mementos in recognition of their commitment to workplace safety and public service. By equipping sanitation workers—the backbone of Kannagi Nagar’s WASH ecosystem—with essential knowledge and skills, the programme enhances their dignity and resilience while contributing to a safer, healthier, and more sustainable urban environment.

The Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) conducted a half-day regional-level orientation on “Interventions for Improving F***l Sludge Management (FSM)” from 19–22 August 2025 at the RDMA Office, Tirunelveli.

Organised at the request of the Regional Directorate of Municipal Administration (RDMA), the programme brought together 135 participants from 22 municipalities, including commissioners, municipal engineers, sanitary officers, inspectors, and newly inducted staff. The sessions were inaugurated by RDMA Vijayalakshmi P and Executive Engineer Sanal Kumar R, who emphasised the importance of strengthening FSM systems as a cornerstone of sustainable urban sanitation.

Technical sessions were led by TNUSSP’s Anand P K and Sivaraj V, who spoke on FSM treatment systems and the cluster approach, operations and maintenance models with co-composting, the importance of periodic de-sludging and operator licensing, and the role allocation for Urban Local Body officials. The sessions encouraged participants to share field experiences, clarify operational challenges, and align practices with the latest DMA directives.

By fostering inter-district collaboration and building clarity on FSM service delivery, this initiative marked an important step in reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to safe sanitation and effective f***l sludge management across all Urban Local Bodies.

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