Dhivya is a determined entrepreneur from Tiruchirappalli. Despite facing multiples challenges by entering into a male-dominated area of work, she channelled her business acumen into a thriving desludging venture.

As a child, Dhivya yearned to grow up to someday become a policewoman. But as circumstances would have it, she could not continue her education beyond the 8th standard. She did, however, even as a young girl have quite the knack for business. She was quick to learn when she started helping out with her aunt’s business, an experience which taught her how to manage books and understand the complex requirements of running a business.

Today, Dhivya has translated her entrepreneurial spirit into a flourishing Desludging business which she runs along with her husband. (Desludging is the process of removal of sediments from septic tanks for households which are not connected to sewers and instead rely on On-site Sanitation Systems).

Dhivya receives desludging orders on her phone, fixes the rate for cleaning with the client. Her husband or a hired driver drives the septic tank cleaning lorry to the client’ house. The cleaning is carried out using powerful hose pipes to avoid manual entry, the waste is then transported and emptied at a decanting station. Earlier they used to do cleaning and transportation of waste between the two of them but now they have hired additional people to help them. She sold a piece of land to buy the vehicle and paid off the amount in installments. Recognizing a viable demand for septic tanks, she also started selling septic tanks, thereby earning commission on them.

Dhivya is a firm believer in the fact that women can and should enter roles which have traditionally only been reserved for men. Despite the stigma and hassles she faced, she is proud of the example she has set through her work as a desludging operator – her presence makes the women whose households they visit for desludging septic tanks feel a lot more comfortable. Through her dedication, Dhivya has been able to build a credible presence among her clients! She aspires to expand her business further by acquiring more septic tank cleaning vehicles. Her aim is to expand her house further and give both her children a quality education.

In Tiruchirappalli, a thriving town in the state of Tamil Nadu, a limited percentage of desludging demand is met by the Government. The rest is being increasingly catered to by private operators and ‘micropreneurs’ such as Dhivya. Regularly desludging plays an important role towards environmental protection and preservation of water quality. Click here to learn more about business models in faecal sludge and septage management.

Watch Tracing the Tracks to hear directly from the champion: https://youtu.be/B30mMDyfQuU?si=f0lD9jfeCtwt12aw

Yakkoppu was assigned male at birth 40 years back, but growing up they felt captivated by clothes, makeup and ornaments worn by women. They were also drawn to the activity of people applying manjal (turmeric) on their face and body. Through their childhood years, Yakkoppu struggled to unpack their gender identity and their family’s lack of understanding around this made things worse for him. The only person who accepted them for who they were was their mother. Eventually as the conflict in the family became worse, Yakkoppu decided to leave home at the age of 15 and their mother accompanied them. Over time, Yakkoppu identified themselves as thirunambi – 'a trans person’'

Since childhood, Yakkoppu was always keen to be involved in social work and contribute towards the society. As they grew up, they dedicated their time towards helping people in different ways and recently they took on the role of a community toilet caretaker with the same intention.

In 2020, while a community toilet was under construction near their rented home, Yakkoppu and their mother used to safeguard the construction materials. Impressed by their dedication and help, the Sanitary Inspector asked Yakkoppu if they would be interested to work as a caretaker for the community toilet upon its completion. During this time, Yakkoppu’s mother expired, and they immersed themselves with the caretaker duty. Eventually they also came to know about the Thendral Transgender Self-Help Group (SHG) where they truly felt accepted. They also supported other trans persons in their area and helped them join the SHG too, demonstrating how effective the transgender SHG model is effective in the sector.

As the caretaker, Yakkoppu starts their day as early as 4:30 am. They open the community toilet after cleaning it thoroughly and put traditional Tamil art, Kolam in front of the door. They are the busiest in the morning till noon and they stop working at 8 pm. With a lot of dedication, they keep the toilet clean and manage the stock books to ensure the community toilet is financially sustainable. Their only request to the society is to support the trans community and not alienate them. Yakkoppu strongly believes that trans people are capable of exceling in all professions including sanitation if only they are given the opportunity to lead respectful and dignified lives.

Learn more about Yakkoppu’s journey:

Muthulakshmi, a 37-year old woman from Tiruchirappalli, has been employed as a full-time sanitation worker at a school for the past 7 years of experience. Every morning, she rises promptly at 5 am, and after completing household chores, she arrives at the school by 8:30 am. At the school, she ensures cleanliness at the micro scale: ensuring wash basins, toilets, corridors, and classrooms remain clean throughout the day. Besides maintaining a clean environment, she actively assists young children, particularly toddlers, while using the restroom. She educates young girls about essential menstrual hygiene practices, teaching them the proper disposal of napkins and the safe utilization of the incinerator. She approaches children with remarkable patience and compassion, prioritizing their well-being over other things.

She refuses to feel ‘disgust’ or ‘humiliation’ in performing her duties as a sanitation worker. She regards her work with as a crucial act of care and service to be perceived with dignity and not stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic instilled in her a greater recognition of the importance of safety. She diligently employs protective gear such as gloves, masks, and aprons while carrying out her cleaning tasks. She has a militant commitment to maintaining a hygienic and safe environment for everyone in the school.

The heartfelt appreciation she receives from the school children is a source of joy for her. Being referred to as "Amma" by the children fills her with happiness and a sense of belonging. Her motivation to work diligently stems from her desire to provide for her family, ensuring she can afford the bus fare for her children, so that she can send them to school every day. Her dreams extend beyond financial stability; she aspires to provide a quality education and a better future for her children and offer support to her aging parents.

Through her empathetic nature and refusal to give into societal stigma, Muthulakshmi plays a pivotal role in educating tomorrow’s citizens on maintaining safe and hygienic practices, making her a true Champion!

Watch Tracing the Tracks to hear directly from the champion: https://youtu.be/B30mMDyfQuU?si=f0lD9jfeCtwt12aw

"Before the FSTP was established, the untreated waste was disposed directly into the water, now my job ensures that sewage water is recycled"

From Mannargudi, 35-year old Bharati, holds a bachelor's degree in commerce. However, he could only pursue his job in banking for a short while before he had to quit. During a period of unemployment, he worked as a daily laborer for the construction of a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant. His technical understanding of the plant and its processes impressed others upon completion, leading to him being sought after to become the FSTP Operator.

Bharathi recounts how prior to the setting up of the FSTP, the untreated waste used to be openly disposed into the river. However, with the implementation of Tamil Nadu State Level FSSM Plan, the plant was established. The polluted water caused immense damage to water bodies and surrounding ecosystem. It was a moment of pride for Bharathi, when people who lived nearby visited the plant and understood how it was a better alternative than direct disposal of waste into water bodies. They were quite impressed by the FSTP’s functioning! Bharathi ensures safety protocols and monitoring guidelines such as registering vehicles, checking them for pH levels, removing plastics from screen chamber are followed diligently, wearing masks, handling equipment with care, etc.

Knowing its crucial role in safeguarding the environment and protecting communities, Bharathi feels immensely fulfilled by his job. The FSTP recycles sewage water, which earlier used to impact the farmlands in the area. The Mannarguri FSTP also runs on solar power.Even his family visited him at the plant and felt proud of his occupation. Bharathi prefers this work over his previous experience as a daily wage earner due to the sense of financial stability it has given him. As the sole breadwinner of his family, his chief aim is to take care of his family by ensuring better housing and a decent education for his children.

Resolving to ‘care for toilet more than her home’, Prema mobilized a group of determined women to tackle the lack of safe sanitation in her community.

When Prema got married, she moved to an informal settlement in Tiruchirappalli. She set foot in a small, rented house lacking in one important amenity: a toilet. To her dismay, there was a single, shoddy toilet meant to be used by the hundreds of people inhabiting the neighbourhood. During rain, the toilet would overflow. With no one to clean, it would fester with insects and germs. The unhygienic conditions exposed Prema and her neighbourhood to serious health implications. There was also a deep sense of shame and isolation, the unhygienic toilet prevented Prema from being able to invite anyone over to their house.

Prema, however, refused to accept circumstances as they were. She approached the Christian Missionary Organization, which was constructing a building in the vicinity. She shared the inhumane suffering of her community and voiced the need for a functional, clean toilet for all. While the Priest ensured the construction of a well-made, infra-structurally sound Community Toilet, he anticipated that the maintenance of the toilet would become a challenge. To address this challenge, Prema stepped in to ensure the toilet would remain clean and usable and be a dignified experience for all who access it. She mobilized a group of 12 determined women and together they formed the Udhayam Women's Self-Help Group – responsible for operation and maintenance of the Community Toilet.

Back in Tuticorin, Prema’s family disapproved of her pursuit. They were ashamed, unable to fathom why Prema would want to work at a toilet, of all places. In the last 20 years, hundreds of families have gotten access to a clean toilet due to Udhayam Women's SHG. The women feel proud to state that even today their toilet is as clean as a park and sustained by its own revenue!

Today, Prema’s children are well educated, employed in formal jobs and keep urging her to retire from managing the community toilet. Prema and a lot of the older community members even have access to individual household toilets today. She, however, reminds her children of how they’ve struggled in the past. It has fostered a fiery sense of duty that she feels towards others who might be in the same situation as they were earlier. She regards cleanliness as an issue of the utmost importance.

Watch Tracing the Tracks to hear directly from Prema: https://youtu.be/B30mMDyfQuU?si=f0lD9jfeCtwt12aw

Tirupathi's journey in the sanitation sector is a testament to how intentional leadership which prioritizes the wellbeing of communities can directly build a safer environment for citizens. In the heart of Tiruchirappalli, the fourth largest corporation in Tamil Nadu, Tirupathi stepped up and played the pivotal role of being a changemaker in the city. Under his leadership, Trichy saw an aspirational growth in the field of urban sanitation.

During his stint as the Sanitation Inspector, Tiruchirappalli City Corporation, he had only one priority and that was the wellbeing of the citizens of this city. For that, he stood prepared to undertake any necessary measures, be it advancing infrastructure or safeguarding the most vulnerable sanitation workers, all in the pursuit of securing the welfare of Trichy's citizens and ensuring inclusive access to sanitation services throughout the city. When COVID-19 struck, Tirupathi's intentions were challenged even more but he ensured that he persevered through these tough times and shone even brighter. Under his guidance, the Tiruchirappalli City Corporation took swift and decisive action. On one hand they ensured that all essential public spaces were sanitized regularly including streets, bus station, complexes etc. On the other hand, they also ensured that all sanitation professionals who were responsible for these cleaning services were undergoing mandatory health screenings daily, ensuring their safety. He also ensured that sanitation workers had access to PPE kits that would keep them safe and he organized training sessions for them to be aware of COVID-19 precautions.

During a period when individuals were preoccupied with their personal health concerns, Tirupathi remained resolute in ensuring the well-being of the city's service providers. Recognizing the vital role they played, he personally engaged with all sanitation workers to convey strong administrative support, emphasizing that their safety was of the utmost importance to the city's overall functioning. He ensured that all departments in the city came together to combat the pandemic, from the public health department to the police department and so on.

As Tirupathi reflects on the journey, he emphasizes the potential for more private stakeholder support and volunteer involvement during the pandemic. Looking ahead, the Tiruchirappalli City Corporation aspires to incorporate innovative technologies for waste collection and safe disposal, marking another milestone in their mission for a cleaner and safer environment.

Tirupathi's story underscores the transformative power of leadership in the sanitation sector, and his unwavering commitment to community well-being continues to drive the city towards even greater accomplishments.

Kavita Wankhade, Head - Practice (Governance & Services) & Associate Dean - School of Systems and Infrastructure, works at the Indian Institute of Human Settlements, a national education institution committed to the equitable, sustainable, and efficient transformation of Indian urban settlements. She has worked as a researcher, project manager and educator. A strong advocate of inclusive planning, Kavita’s work specifically focuses on the overall wellbeing of sanitation workers, looking at their occupational safety, welfare, health, and livelihoods. 

She believes inclusive sanitation embodies the principle of "Leaving no one behind," ensuring safe sanitation not only for the public, but also for sanitation workers. Kavita has been driven by an overarching endeavour to bridge the academia-industry divide and foster a holistic understanding of urban development challenges and solutions. In her 17+ years of practice, Kavita has witnessed a positive shift in the sector's priorities where the focus has transitioned from merely achieving access, to a comprehensive approach, with a welcome emphasis on the "entire sanitation value chain". She believes that this shift has also embraced multifaceted and intersectional solutions, fostering a broader perspective on inclusion, which encompasses the urban poor, gender dynamics, and sanitation worker welfare.

In her capacity as the Project Director of Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP), she has been supporting the state of Tamil Nadu to scale up Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) across 649 urban local bodies and implement City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) at Trichy, focusing on inclusive sanitation service delivery for all. Notably, TNUSSP influenced the Government of Tamil Nadu to enhance governance mechanisms by amending the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act to include a chapter on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (FSSM) and revise operative guidelines based on on-ground evidence. TNUSSP has also been well known for its remarkable Behaviour Change and Communication (BCC) Campaign for FSM in Tamil Nadu - ‘Kakkaman’, a friendly character aiming to reposition sanitation as an aspirational topic for all stakeholders in the state. Besides these innovative initiatives, capacity building of stakeholders, behavior change, and communication efforts have been key elements in their contributions. Kavita's work in TNUSSP has successfully demonstrated various models for inclusive sanitation, making a substantial impact on the sector. 

She appreciates the NFSSM Alliance for allowing her to stay connected with sector professionals through meetings, convenings, and conferences, fostering solidarity and cross-learning. Kavita has actively contributed to this national alliance where she has facilitated learning through exposure visits and ensured that she shared the Tamil Nadu model with other states in the Alliance. 

Kavita's aspirations for the sector and the Alliance are aligned with the mission of scaling safe and inclusive sanitation to all cities and towns in India. Her vision encompasses the dream of making inclusive sanitation a reality for all, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

S. Amuthavalli, the City Engineer at Trichy City Corporation (TCC), embarked on an inspirational journey within the sanitation sector, where her dedication and expertise became a beacon of hope during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amuthavalli's background was grounded in engineering, but her heart was committed to ensuring safe and efficient sanitation for her city. Her inspiration came from the understanding that sanitation is not just a service but a fundamental necessity, especially during a global health crisis.

As the pandemic struck, the TCC faced a daunting task of maintaining the sanitation workforce. Recognizing the vulnerability of her staff, Amuthavalli's motivation was unwavering. The TCC, under Amuthavalli's leadership, sprang into action to protect and support the sanitation workforce. When migrant workers faced the shock of the pandemic, the TCC ensured they experienced minimal disruption. Adequate food and supplies were provided until arrangements were made for their safe return to their hometowns, showcasing her compassionate and practical approach.

During the pandemic, Amuthavalli's leadership was instrumental in ensuring safe sanitation. The TCC swiftly identified containment zones, where barricades were erected. Essential provisions such as rations, drinking water, and medical facilities were promptly delivered. Amuthavalli's team exhibited tremendous dedication, often working night shifts to avert panic.

Her focus on innovation and hygiene led to the installation of leg-operated hand washing stations in public spaces and prominent city locations, contributing to the efforts to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Her teams ensured that those returning from abroad received individual attention and that their families were engaged to promote safety measures.

Amuthavalli's leadership extended beyond the immediate crisis. Drawing from the lessons of a COVID-19 hotspot in Chennai's Koyambedu marketplace, she proactively prevented a similar outbreak in Trichy. By relocating vendors to different, less congested locations, she helped curb the virus's spread.

Amuthavalli's journey in the sanitation sector is a testament to the indomitable spirit and impact of inspirational leadership. Her dedication to protecting the sanitation workforce and her innovative measures in the face of adversity exemplify the way forward for cities confronting unprecedented challenges. Her remarkable journey inspires change and serves as a model for others in the sanitation sector.

Thiru Kesavan's journey in the sanitation sector is a remarkable testament to dedication and leadership, improving the lives of the residents of Karunguzhi, Tamil Nadu.

Kesavan's voyage in sanitation began as the Executive Officer of Karunguzhi Town Panchayat, where he played a pivotal role in implementing the state's first Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) in 2017. The FSTP offered a transformative approach to waste management for the town and neighboring municipalities.

Inspired by the prospect of enhancing the living conditions of his town's residents, Kesavan recognized that safe sanitation practices not only benefit individuals but also contribute to the broader community's well-being. Under his leadership, Karunguzhi achieved significant milestones.

Kesavan persevered through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. When the lockdown initially disrupted sanitation work, he secured special permissions to continue essential maintenance in the city. The safety of sanitation workers was a top priority, and Kesavan ensured they had the necessary protective equipment.

Navigating the pandemic, Kesavan's team faced the challenges of maintaining social distancing and adhering to safety protocols in public spaces. To keep citizens informed, they created WhatsApp groups and used social media to disseminate health and government resource information. Engaging with the community, they organized contests for children and families, raising awareness about sanitation and public health.

Kesavan's exemplary use of social media not only showcased their efforts but also caught the state government's attention. It led to financial support for the Town Panchayat's sanitation initiatives, further amplifying the impact of their work.

Thiru Kesavan's innovative approach has not only improved the lives of Karunguzhi's residents but also set an example for others to adapt to the local context while implementing solutions.

Mr. Thirumudikari's journey within the sanitation sector is an inspiring testament to his commitment and visionary leadership in improving the lives of Tamil Nadu's urban population.

Thirumudikari's background in urban development instilled in him a deep passion for ensuring that every individual in Tamil Nadu has access to safe sanitation. His inspiration was drawn from the understanding that sanitation is not a privilege but a fundamental right and a cornerstone of public health.

As Joint Director (Scheme) at the Directorate of Town Panchayats, he envisioned safe sanitation services that would cater to all sections of society. Thirumudikari's leadership catalyzed the adoption of non-networked sanitation systems and a cluster approach, fostering equitable service delivery throughout Tamil Nadu. Memorandums of understanding were signed between Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure last-mile service delivery, demonstrating his commitment to reaching every community.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unforeseen challenges, and Thirumudikari rose to the occasion as a Special Officer in the Chengalpattu District. He recognized sanitation and Faecal Sludge Management as essential services, and their standard operating procedures were meticulously established to ensure smooth operations.

With the pandemic's outbreak, Thirumudikari launched targeted healthcare and sanitation-driven communication campaigns, emphasizing the importance of citizen engagement and informed decision-making. A behavioral shift towards hygiene practices was observed, making the sanitation sector's mission more attainable.

The welfare of sanitation workers was at the core of Thirumudikari's leadership during the pandemic. Proactive measures were taken, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting testing, contact tracing, and isolation, and ensuring that frontline sanitation warriors remained safe in their roles. As the lockdown restrictions continued, Thirumudikari's leadership enabled Tamil Nadu's urban sanitation to adapt and thrive amid adversity. It underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, case history management, and grassroots monitoring, ultimately reducing infections and bolstering public health.

Going forward, Tamil Nadu's urban sanitation initiatives have embraced Thirumudikari's vision of being more participatory, localized, multi-disciplinary, and user-focused. Sustainable and scalable solutions are paving the way for safer and more equitable urban sanitation delivery across the state.

Thirumudikari's journey embodies the spirit of transformative leadership, emphasizing the vital role of sanitation in public health. His dedication has not only improved the lives of countless individuals but has also set a path for Tamil Nadu to overcome one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, making safe sanitation a reality for all.

Recounting his foray into the social sector, Niladri describes with fondness, an adventure trip he took with his friends, where he met a journalist from a daily newspaper who was both impressed and intrigued upon hearing that he was pursuing Environmental science and ecology. He suggested that Niladri look for opportunities in the social sector; a world which was completely alien to him at the time. Stirred by the conversation, he started applying for roles after completing his postgraduate degree and landed up in a grassroots organization in a remote place in West Bengal called Medinipur where he first learnt how to work together with communities.

When his journey with WSH began he encountered that the groundwater in West Bengal (among other states) was highly contaminated with arsenic – resulting in death and disease particularly in rural areas which lacked alternative sources of water. He worked with the Bengal Engineering and Science University to install an activated alumina-based filter and involved the community in its management thus bringing down the arsenic to permissible levels. This contributed significantly to bringing down the disease burden. “WSH is a big determinant of public health”, Niladri explains, “part of why it’s close to my heart.”

Of the firm belief that Inclusive Sanitation must also extend to remote and challenging terrains, Niladri had one such experience while working on an island in the Sunderbans, where setting up a sanitation supply chain was incredibly tough. When him and his team started off, the island had 0 toilets and over the course of just 1.5 years, working together with the community to solve their challenges, they were able to bring a toilet to every household – so that people would not have to resort to open defecation and instead be able to access safe and dignified sanitation. To be meaningful, sanitation services must be inclusive and reach the last mile.

Niladri recounts that earlier the spotlight used to mostly be on the challenges of rural sanitation. However, recently people started acknowledging the complexity of Urban Sanitation. The NFSSM Alliance has played a pivotal role in bringing urban sanitation, its urgency and complexity, to the centerstage. The Alliance has also provided a space for organizations to share their strengths with each other. Niladri regards the cross learning between organizations over the past year as a beneficial learning experience.

Upon a reflection of his long journey in the sanitation sector Niladri has observed it go through multiple changes. While earlier, in the sector, interventions used to be standalone or siloed, people have now started to proactively move towards scale. The role of the non-profit sector too has evolved. Non-profits are now working more symbiotically with the government in the capacity of technical support agencies – nudging and supporting the government. He says, “I’m so glad to see the insurge of fresh professional talent that the sector has witnessed. So many qualified young people are choosing to be in the sector purely out of passion, bringing a fresh and unbiased perspective to the work.”

Niladri is Senior Lead, Practice at Indian Institute of Human Settlements. He has close to two decades of experience as a development professional in the domain of water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) and public health. He has worked with organizations like CARE, Water For People, PFI, Medic Synergy, IPE Global and has been an instrumental part of large scale WASH and public health program supported by bilateral agencies like USAID and DFID. He earned a Master of Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Studies, Mumbai, and a Masters in Ecology & Environment from Sikkim Manipal University.