A Study of Technology and Financial Appropriateness of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Selected Cities of India

A Study of Technology and Financial Appropriateness of Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Selected Cities of IndiaIntegrated Water Management

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This project aims to study the type and appropriateness of water and waste water technologies available to cities and towns in India and to improve decision making within governments through technical education development of future planners and practitioners.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS (November 2016)

• Socio-economic surveys of households and mapping of water, sanitation and wastewater infrastructure have been completed in two communities.

PROJECT UPDATE (April 2016)

Researchers have conducted work in two locations: Alibaug (Maharashtra) and Nedumangad (Kerala). Researchers have conducted socio-economic surveys at households and mapped water, sanitation, and wastewater infrastructure.  Relevant policies, laws, legislation, finances, and governance models in waste water and sanitation infrastructure sector is currently underway.

RESEARCH ABSTRACT

The problem that urban water and wastes water sector faces today demonstrates the need for a strategy targeting multiple aspects of finance, technology, government and the technical education system that develops future planners and practitioners. The National Urban Sanitation Policy (2008) among other government documents speaks to the need for adoption and promotion of a mix of technology and financing options being deployed at city levels to achieve the national goal of 100% sanitation throughout India. However, a review of city development plans shows reveals that such a mix is not in evidence, and plans are not developed in a way that fully considers technology appropriateness with respect to social, environmental, and economic aspects for the given context of the city or town.

This research project propose to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms of financial assistance available to states / cities and town for water and waste water infrastructure, to examine the appropriateness of technologies with respect to social, environmental and economic aspects, to understand the scope of alternatives and implications for management and business models for communities, and finally to understand and identify strategies for improving the technical education system that trains practitioners and future planners.