A Guide to Decisionmaking—Sanitation Technology Options for Urban IndiaPoor sanitation is endemic in towns and cities across India and exacts a heavy toll on public health. In response, the Government of India has made increased funding available for the qualifying cities for sanitation infrastructure via the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.
These resources are sorely needed, but money alone cannot solve the problem; municipal agencies need sound technical advice on the planning of new investments and the delivery of sanitation services.
This guide aims to meet some of those needs by providing advice on the selection of technology options for urban sanitation, whether for new infrastructure or the upgrading of existing services. It is applicable both to small interventions in specific locations and larger programs that aim to improve sanitation citywide.
The guide has been written for both technical and nontechnical professionals responsible for urban sanitation. It is primarily intended for city managers, who may need to make decisions on sanitation investments but may not have an engineering background. The guide should help managers to make appropriate choices with simple steps and engage effectively with technical specialists.