To enhance desludging services in the State of Uttarakhand, NIUA has developed a standardized tool for calculating desludging fees, addressing irregularities in demand-based pricing and escalating service costs. These issues have hindered effective faecal sludge and septage management, leading to illegal dumping practices.

This innovative tool leverages existing data on faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) collected by urban local bodies (ULBs). It adjusts desludging rates based on critical factors such as hauling distance, terrain, and freight weight, ensuring a fair and transparent pricing structure. By standardizing user charges, the tool aims to increase demand for desludging services, making it more likely that residents will utilize municipal services and reduce the prevalence of illegal dumping.

Looking ahead, this tool can assist ULBs still developing their septage bye-laws by providing a rationale for desludging practices. At a national level, where such regulations are not yet established, the tool could be integrated into municipal websites, offering residents clear and precise fee calculations—similar to online taxi booking systems. This approach not only promotes transparency but also encourages responsible faecal sludge management, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment."

To use this tool, the user need a login id and password, the link to access the tool is given below.