City Profile

Dewas, is a city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The city has a rich historical significance and has evolved into an important industrial centre since the 1970s. Dewas Municipal Corporation(DMC) is the authorized institution to provide basic amenities to the people of the ULB. The city has a population of around 3,25,505 and is divided into 45 wards and four zones. The city ranked first in its population category in the Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge and was awarded 3 star in the Garbage Free Cities rating. 

Challenge

Three operational sewage treatment plants in Dewas handle wastewater from approximately 78% of the households connected to the sewer system. Dewas Municipal Corporation (DMC) has prioritised the safety and well-being of its workers along with safe sanitation for its citizens. 

Initiative

To meet the goals of the “Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar” initiative, the Dewas Municipal Corporation (DMC) identified four primary areas of focus: Strengthening the Institutional set-up, increasing skilled human resources, machinery &equipment, improving the ecosystem parameters and capacity building of existing Safaimitra and welfare. 

The establishment of the Emergency Sanitation Response Unit (ESRU) team was introduced to strengthen the institutional framework. A toll-free helpline number and the My Dewas application were launched to facilitate the resolution of grievances. Furthermore, an extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign was conducted in every ward of the municipality to educate residents about the importance of timely desludging of septic tanks by trained workers appointed for this purpose. 

The municipality increased the number of trained officials to ensure effective sanitation operations. The city has ensured the availability of two quality assurance engineers and has appointed three technical supervisors for the sewer cleaning team. The desludging team was also expanded to prevent the engagement of informal or untrained workers in sanitation activities. Further, Sewer Entry Professionals were inducted into the ESRU team. Along with this, the DMC also procured a sufficient number of machines and equipment for mechanized cleaning of manhole as per CPEO norms. These included hydro vac sets, sewer inspection camera apparatus, hydro jetting machines and procurement of two septic tank desludging vehicles under the NSKFDC scheme. 

DMC emphasized the enhancement of the capacity and welfare of Safai Mitras. Specialized training programs were organized to educate them on liquid waste management. Informal workers were integrated into the municipality system through the Sewerage Maintenance Agency. The DMC also facilitated loans for sanitation workers through the NSKFDC scheme to acquire sanitation equipment and machinery. The Sewer Commandos received advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to ensure safety. Furthermore, bi-annual medical health checkups were conducted to monitor and safeguard the workers’ health. DMC also established work stations for female sanitary workers Garima Grah and for the Liquid Waste Management Team. 

In addition to these measures, there was a strong focus on improving the sanitation ecosystem. Fixed user charges were implemented for desludging services, and users were encouraged to clean their septic tanks every three years. The city also ensured an adequate infrastructure capacity to meet the users’ demands effectively by matching the city’s need for 3 STPs.