In a significant step toward ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of sanitation workers across the country, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), under the aegis of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), 

has issued Model Empanelment and Contract documents to guide Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in engaging Private Sanitation Service Operators (PSSOs).

Out of an estimated 42 crore urban population in India, about 50% (4.5 crore households) use septic tanks. This indicates a critical need for regular desludging services to safely remove and dispose of faecal sludge at designated treatment locations. 

Around 35% of the population is connected to sewer networks that require regular maintenance for efficient wastewater flow to treatment plants. 

Both sewer systems and septic tanks need regular cleaning - sewer manholes must be cleared of blockages, and septic tanks must be desludged every three years to remove built-up faecal waste.

The maintenance of sewer networks and desludging of septic tanks is essential for cities to ensure safe collection, disposal and treatment of used water. 

Cities and PSSOs play a vital role in undertaking the maintenance activities and servicing citizen requests to ensure safe and effective functioning of the urban sanitation infrastructure.