Sulochana Sahu’s story is a glorious example of how we can use diverse skillsets to contribute to behavioural change towards sustainable sanitation. Sulochana Sahu is a Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSM) Call Centre Executive in Odisha’s Dhenkanal Municipality since 2019. She was hired for the Operation and Maintenance of FSTPs by the Jeevan Jyoti Area Level Federation (ALF).
Taking on the lead for effective implementation of FSSM in both urban and rural areas, Sulochana has undertaken a range of activities. She takes booking for desludging requests, allocate cesspool vehicles, maintains and uploads the FSSM service information on the SUJOG-DIGIT app (which facilitates delivery of municipal services) and on Excel sheets developed by the HOUDD, Government of Odisha and creates an efficient process for individuals to access FSSM services. She coordinates with the Municipality and Jeevan Jyoti ALF’s President for grievance redressal and goes the extra mile to create awareness on FSSM services, sanitation, and ODF amongst ALF members and beneficiaries at the monthly meetings.
Sulochana has built an effective rapport with households through continuous follow ups on desludging activities. This not only enables effective monitoring, but encourages households to participate in opting for sanitation services. With mass participation, the FSTP in Dhenkanal Municipality caters to the needs of 3 lakh people and 49 tagged GPs.
She has been instrumental in FSSM service delivery and creating awareness on FSSM among the people and SHG members in the city and rural areas. For her contribution to the FSSM service in Dhenkanal Municipality, she has won various accolades and awards at the state and national levels.
Due to her untiring efforts towards FSSM service delivery, more than 19,923.6 KLD sludge has been disposed and Rs. 78 lakh revenue has been generated till now (until May 2023); and 22 women’s SHGs and their communities have been sensitized. In championing the cause as a determined individual and bringing forth her unique skills, Sulochana Sahu has been able to create far-reaching impact