Dear Friends, 2021 has been a year unlike others in our recent collective history – it has been a year of struggle and loss but also of great bravery and opportunity. For BORDA South Asia, this has been a year of exciting change, with a new team of urban planners and engineers on-board, 4 new implementation partners on-ground and new partnerships with small municipalities. The theme of “Livable Small Towns for a Livable South Asia” is now firmly embedded in our approach. We want to take this moment to recognize and cherish the contribution of all those who stepped up and made this year a success. Special gratitude towards the immense contribution of the frontline Sanitation Workers to keep our cities and towns clean and liveable. They are our true champions. This year’s closing newsletter delves into some of our work in 2021 – highlighting initiative across 8 small towns in South Asia and partnerships that made it all possible. We appreciate and thank everyone who have been a part of our journey and we hope to engage and connect with more people and organizations in the space (unfortunately for now, through an online meeting link ). Write to us at bangalore@borda-sa.org , we’d love to hear from you. Or drop by at our workspaces in Bangalore or at Leh – a coffee pot is always brewing Wishing you a happy, safe and healthy 2022 and beyond.

1. People. Innovating. Sanitation
Highlights of
2021

2. COVID-19 Second Wave
South Asia, in general, and India, in particular, were badly affected by the second wave of COVID-19, many of our
staff and their family members got infected and lost their loved ones. We express once again our condolence and
thanks to our colleagues and staff for their deep commitment to work.

3. Municipal Mgmt.
and Governance
Waste Water
Solid Waste Water Supply
Water-wise Urban
Design / Liveability
Sanitation
Project Coverage Impact Areas
BANGLADESH
3 Countries
8 Municipalities
4 Partner NGOs
47 Resources
Kushtiya
Savar
Chintamani
Chikkaballapur
Kargil
Leh
Kirtipur
Godawari
INDIA
NEPAL
Intervention Area

4. 62,000 Disadvantaged
people in the small and medium towns have access to improved WASH services
Key Targets (2021-23)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
30concepts/
Designs for proposed intervention
12demonstration projects
are implemented and operated
5proven instruments and
approaches are applied
500responsible
stakeholders are trained
6meetings-
action plan
WASH
promotion
Urban WATSAN Data
Observatory will be established
for the 8-small municipalities
SDG 6 and 11 are
continuously recorded for all 8
small towns for three years

5. EQUIP
Functions
Technical
Assistance
Demonstrations
Capacity
Building
Planning
Knowledge
Dissemination
12 knowledge Products
8 videos
12 trainings with ~350 participants
1 conference and 6 workshops
11 WASH Tools tested
1 Urban WATSAN Data Observatory
Networking
4 internal planning meets
8 MoU Singed
3 Advisory Committee constituted
3 Expert Advisory Committee meetings
1 Conference on Water Supply and Sanitation
1 Workshop on SDG 6&11 localization
4 impactful presentations in Conferences
24 DPRs / Detailed Designs
22 assessments / tendering support /
digitisation activities
7 proposals to raise funds for partner towns
and NGOs
2 demonstration projects completed, 8 in
progress
3 defunct infrastructures made operational
2021 Achievements in Numbers

6. 21%
21%
17%
17%
8%
8%
4%
4%
Solid Waste
Public Utilities
Sewerage
Water Supply
Faecal Sludge
Legacy Waste
Greywater
Ground Water Recharge
LEVEL OF FOCUS
SECTOR
Focus areas in 2021
BORDA-SA until recently were focused primarily on Wastewater, however, now we have expanded our
interventions into other areas such as SWM, Legacy Waste, Water Supply and Public Utilities. Through this
expansion, we are moving toward the integrated water and sanitation at city level

7. 1. Sanitation Workers
We have taken active decision to address the paradox of sanitation
services for sanitation workers. Sanitation workers have no or little
access to sanitation services. One of our idea of WASH facility for
sanitation workers is being replicated by many across India

8. Operational WASH Facility, Leh, India
The Wash Facility provides integrated sanitation services to sanitation workers such as clean water, toilet,
bathing, washing, lounge cum changing facility. It is a community operated facility and a group of 8 sanitation
operators taking turns to maintain the facility. The facility has seen a huge uptake from the community and is
planned for replication across various parts of the country.

9. Replicating WASH Facility for Workers, Karnataka, India
Inspired by the project in Leh and Nepal, municipal officials in Chikkaballapur adopted the idea to create a
facility for 160 sanitation workers. The idea also received positive response at state level. Director of Municipal
administration showed interest in replicating this at state level. Two separate concepts, detailed reports and
designs were provided for replication. Construction of the facility will start from 2nd week of January 2022

10. Replication of WASH Facility, Kargil, India
With the success of the sanitation officer’s facility at Leh, which has received accolades in national level media. A
similar facility has been planned at Kargil. The project is underway, and the designs have been finalized. It is
designed for all-weather operations and will serve 600 unserved residents of the campus.

11. Operational WASH Facility for Sani-Workers, Kirtipur Nepal
The WASH facility, constructed in 2020, was inaugurated and handed over for the use of sanitation workers of
Kirtipur Municipality on 23rd March 2021. The facility is receiving good attraction and is being used by at least
50 municipal sanitation workers per day. ENPHO has also received request for replication in other areas.

12. PPE support for Sanitation Worker
Sanitation workers are the most vulnerable to all risk associated with sanitation. They have no access to PPE kit
and awareness about safe hygiene practices. We have initiated range of activities directed toward enhancing the
health and hygiene of sanitation workers. This includes providing more than 100 sanitation workers with PPE

13. Giving Dignity to Sanitation Workers
Providing PPE kits and safety gears is not enough to appreciate the contribution of sanitation workers and
operators. The Ice Hockey Signature Campaign was organized, in LG Cup of UT of Ladakh, to appreciate the plight
of sanitation workers, create awareness around their safety and hygiene and express gratitude

14. Trainings to Sanitation Workers, Ladakh, India
Around 115 sanitation operators were trained on various aspects regarding occupational hazards, health and
safety. Trainings were also provided to municipal officials to ensure safety of operations and operators. Action
plans were formulated to formalize the sanitation worker sector. We plan to do much more in this area.

15. IEC Campaigns – Safety of Sanitation Workers, Ladakh, India
Given the state of sanitation workers in South Asia – it is critical to raise awareness about their living and
working conditions. This is especially true in India where only <10% of sanitation workers are in the formal
sector. The key focus area of this campaign was prevention of manual scavenging through increased
mechanization and enforcement.

16. Workshop for Sanitation Workers, Karnataka, India
Sanitation workers are more susceptible to occupational safety & health risks. 3 Workshops were organized to
impart knowledge on the basic concepts and principles of occupational safety & health risks for the sanitation
workers and sewer operators. Total of 325 sanitation workers were oriented in Chintamani and Chikkaballapur

17. Training for Toilet Operators, Bangladesh
State of sanitation workers in Bangladesh is no different from India. We are replicating our work in India to
Bangladesh. On such initiative including training to toilet operator on topic such as operational arrangement,
risk analysis, options for operational modalities, occupational health and safety etc

18. Non-BMZ
Training for Sewer Operators, Karnataka, India
Along with the BWSSB officials, a training, to instigate an open discussion with the sewer operators on ranking
and prioritizing safety and risk mitigation aspects, was organized. High end safety equipment were provided to
the operators and orientation was provided to familiarize them with the usage of these equipment.

19. DEWATS for Sanitation Workers Colony, Chikkaballapur, India
Govt had built a dedicated houses for the sanitation workers in Chikkaballapur Municipality. However, these
houses do not have access to the sewerage network. Hence a 10 KLD decentralized sewage treatment system is
proposed and adopted to safely manage the wastewater from these houses.

20. 2. Solid and Sludge Waste Management
Legacy waste management is one of the most common pressing problem of all small
towns in Asia. We have been helping our partner town manage legacy waste. Apart
from legacy waste, we provided general management support for managing the
process of solid waste management.

21. SWM, Leh: Waste Flow Diagram
Analysis of waste streams at Leh through Waste Flow Diagram
A detailed assessment of Solid Waste Status for Leh was conducted – resulting in multiple discussions and
further assessments. DPRs for different waste streams in Leh – legacy waste, biomedical waste, construction
waste etc., worth EUR 3.5 million were prepared / are under process. They will be implemented in 2022.

22. Solid Waste Management, Kargil, India
Assessment of Waste flow streams at Kargil – sampling and
quantification. The elected representatives were involved in every
step of the analysis for discussion, verification and validation of
data points.
An assessment of Solid Waste Status for Kargil was conducted – 3 DPRs for waste streams in Kargil – municipal
solid waste, biomedical waste, construction waste, worth EUR 6 million, were prepared. The solid waste
management plant is tendered out and implementation will start in 2022.

23. Legacy Waste Management, Leh, India
The legacy waste at Leh is spread across 28 acres and amassing a volume of 1.5 lakh m3 and 75,000 tons. The
project report has been finalized and after multiple rounds of discussions and government approval, a project
for EUR 3 million has been sanctioned to reclaim the land and create green public space.

24. Integrated MRF & Transfer Station, Kushtia, Bangladesh
The Integrated Material Recovery Facility (MRF) & Waste Transfer Station is designed for 2 wards (5 and 18).
This will result in improved waste collection and cost of transportation of solid waste. The project will cost EUR
50,000 and will benefit 100 sanitation workers besides residents. The implementation will start in 2022.

25. Conversion to Controlled Landfill, Kushtia, Bangladesh
It is a demonstration design to transform an uncontrolled landfill to a controlled landfill with proper
management of daily incoming waste. The project has been designed and is awaiting environmental clearance. It
will cost EUR 50,000 and will be used for the residents of 21 wards, more than 2,00,000 people.

26. Legacy waste is often a pain point for the local authorities. Technical and managerial support has been provided
to the partner towns in Karnataka. DPR prepared and work is tendered out. About 50,000 tonnes of waste in
Chikkaballapur and 20,000 tonnes in Chintamani is expected to be cleared.
Legacy Waste Management, Karnataka, India

27. Action Plan for Commercial Waste, Chintamani, India
Assessment of approx. 1700 commercial establishments was carried out in Chintamani city, to understand the
quantity of commercial waste generated and to understand the institutional arrangement for management of
commercial waste. Strategic plan for short, medium and long term measures with action points was prepared.

28. German Consulate General, Mr. Achim Burkart, visited project towns of Karnataka to understand the problems
faced by small towns in November 2021. He visited Legacy Waste site and STP in Chikkaballapur and extended
his support for the project.
German Consulate General’s Visit to Karnataka Towns, India

29. GPS based Vehicle Tracking to enable a real-time monitoring of SWM vehicle movement, in order to increase the
efficiency solid waste collection was designed. Devices were installed in 49 vehicles and officials oriented for
operating it. The impact of such small intervention on management of waste is being studied.
GPS Tracking System for SWM vehicles, India

30. Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility, Leh & Kargil, India
Our Partner town agreed to establish a common-biomedical waste treatment facility (CBMWTF) for Leh & Kargil
district. The intervention supported the respective district administrations in preparation of the DPRs to ensure
proper handling, treatment & safe disposal of medical waste.

31. Fecal Sludge Management, Leh, India
The FSTP at Leh was upgraded with tertiary treatment module and the govt accepted proposal to set-up
additional FSTP more than doubling the current capacity to 32 KLD; two more suction trucks were procured.
The FSTP leh continues to inspire other towns and we had many high level VIP visit to the site.

32. Fecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP), Godawari, Nepal
The FSTP at Godawari is initiated by the Municipality with the support from ENPHO to treat 9 KLD of FS
generated in the town. The project focuses on safely managing FS in municipal level to minimize public health
risks and protect water bodies that are caused by unsafe disposal of faecal sludge.

33. 3. Wastewater Management
Wastewater is our well mastered service. In order to move toward
integrated water management, we wanted to reduce our focus on
wastewater and work more on other aspect of water and sanitation –so
that we can practically understand all sector and move toward
integration of water and sanitation services. One our most impactful
work in this area is city-wide decentralized system for Kargil town

34. City-wide Decentralized Wastewater Management, Kargil, India
Kargil has a population of close to 25,000 and depends primarily on on-site sanitation solutions. The authorities
were adamant of centralized solution and DPR was already prepared for it. Post our multiple consultations, plan
changed and govt agreed to adopt a decentralized system with 9 treatment units. This work would be 1st planned
city-wide decentralized system, it is highly strategic for promotion of decentralized system across the world.

35. DEWATS at Choglamsar, Leh, India
DEWATS in cold climate is planned at Choglamsar, Leh. It is spread in a 7-acre plot consisting of administrative
blocks, quarters, WASH facilities and wellness center. This area would generate wastewater of 30 KLD, they
intend to treat the wastewater through DEWATS. We chose to do this project in “protected” area as DEWATS is
not yet full proven for cold climatic condition, based on this success, we can scale across cold regions

36. Nature based Solution for Wastewater, Chikkaballapur, India
Cost effective nature-based technique such as, constructed wetland are being demonstrated at Chikkaballapur
STP to enhance treatment effectiveness. The work was tendered out and is expected to completed in Jan 2022.
Before our intervention, the town made many desperate attempt to improve water quality, this include use of
150 ducks and expected better result.

37. Grey Water Management, Ladakh, India
The household greywater treatment units at Leh continued to function in the harsh winters. Based on their
learnings a city-wide greywater treatment unit for Leh was proposed. The same has been designed and awarded
for implementation. It is a 7 KLD unit with a cost of 35,000 EUR, and will serve 500 units a year

38. Non-BMZ: EU funded Project
Re-use of Sludge and Treated Water, Ladakh, India
Green-house linked to FSPT was completed in 2021 and it has been taken up by a private entrepreneur. BORDA
and LEDeG handed over the assets to Govt. It is the first 2 story green-house in Ladakh, and the treated
wastewater from the FSTP is being used for operations of the greenhouse.

39. DEWATS for ward-2, Kirtipur, Nepal
Newari community is one of the oldest communities in Kirtipur comprising of 100 household. The community is
residing in ward-2 of Kirtipur Municipality not having access to wastewater treatment system. A 100 KLD
DEWATS is proposed to manage the wastewater in ward-2.

40. Integrated Solid Waste & Wastewater Management, Savar, Bangladesh
A feasibility study has been carried in the Savar Cantonment Board to develop an integrated solid waste and
wastewater management system focusing on nature-based solutions by reusing the treated products. The idea is
accepted and work for detailed design and implementation is expected in future

41. Sewerage Design for left-out areas, Leh, India
The sewerage plant for Leh, connects to 40% of the population, remaining are served by on-site sanitation.
Learning from the experiences in Kargil, a decentralised solution for Leh is also planned. The project has been
awarded for design. Also, a project has been awarded for the reuse of treated wastewater from Leh STP. We
provided expert support in initial ideation and process support to the town.

42. 4. Water Supply and Source Protection
With Jal-Jeevan mission launched in India, there is tremendous
momentum for work on the topic of water. We provided plan, design and
operation support to our partners town. Some of this intervention was
hugely successful at national level.

43. Ground Water Mapping and Recharge, Chintamani, India
Chintamani city water demand is met by groundwater (80% dependence) and it is depleting due to over
utilization. Planning exercises were taken up to assess local ground water profile and aquifer system. Suitable
recharge technology were proposed to support revival of overexploited and depleting ground water resource

44. Scaling up of 24x7 Water Supply, Leh, India
Requests are being received from nearby Municipalities and the project has been presented at multiple national forums
Based on the success of Gangles pilot project executed in 2020, the Partner town decided to scale-up the project
across the town. Tender for preparation is out and work is likely to start in 2023. The model was replicated at
Choglamsar and Stok area of Leh. The project success was widely covered in national media.

45. 24X7- Stok-Village and Choglamsar Story : Jal Jevaan, Leh
The Gangles project initiated the conversation around winter water supply in Ladakh. The international
conference on the World Water Day was also part of this. The officials, having gained confidence from Gangles
scaled it to other regions. BORDA prepared the DPR for 2 other peri-urban areas – Stok and Choglamsar. The
projects are under implementation and will provide household winter water supply to 1000 families.

46. Revival of Traditional Water Sources, Nepal
Revival of traditional water sources, stone spouts, was initiated in 2020 and it received positive feedback from
the municipality. ENPHO received multiple requests for design and supervision support for replication. Around
10 designs were provided by ENPHO to different wards and 1 facility was taken up directly as demonstration

47. Mapping of infrastructure and resources, India & Nepal
Mapping of the existing infrastructure, population density, slum location mapping, etc. were carried out to
support Chintamani and Chikkaballapur municipalities with the future planning. Water resource mapping of 83
sources at Godawari, Nepal apprised municipality of the source vulnerability, water stress and risk projections.

48. 5. General Public Utilities
Apart from the water, wastewater and solid waste, we have done lots of
around the topic linked to sanitation such urinal, toilet, hand-wash etc.
Work around this small topic is often high in demand.

49. Scaling-up of Public Toilets, Leh, India
The all-weather public toilets at Leh continue to function and have provided a model for provision of public
utilities in cold weather conditions. Based on their success similar models are planned to be replicated across
the Union Territory of Ladakh and the states of Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir etc.

50. Scaling-up of Solar Passive Pilot Hand-Wash, Ladakh, India
Non-BMZ: Hansaflex funded
BMZ provided design support
The initial project was demoed in 2020. With its successful operations and up take the project was expanded to 4
other schools in Ladakh; each unit designed incorporating local elements of the region. The handwashes were
inaugurated by the elected representative and serve 2,000 students. Each unit cost INR 2.5 lakhs.

51. Replication of Leh toilet model, Karnataka, India
Existing condition
Two poorly maintained and non-functional public toilet in Chikkaballapur and Chintamani are being converted
to ‘Aspirational Toilets’ based on the model public toilet at Leh. Detailed site specific designs have been prepared
and renovation is ongoing. These toilets will cater to at least 100-150 people per day in both cities.

52. Replication of Leh toilet model, Godawari, Nepal
Refurbishment of an existing defunct public toilet in Godawari municipality, to provide a highly functional public
toilet with user friendly design elements and sustainable models. The toilet is renovated to accommodate 2
cubicles in the female section while 1 cubicle and 2 urinals in the male section.

53. 14 Shared Toilets in Bede Para Slum, Bangladesh
370 households in the Bede Para Slum have access to improved shared toilets with proper roof, walls, safe
containment and disposal of fecal sludge from the existing unhygienic toilets. This intervention will assist the
municipality towards achieving SDG target 6.2. and will be constructed at a cost of 20,000 EUR.

54. Improving Public Toilets, Kushtia, Bangladesh
3 public toilets in the municipality is being renovated to improve the functioning and aesthetics. Trainings have
been provided to operators to ensure sustained maintenance and usage of the infrastructure. The total cost of
the project is 20,000 EUR. In 2022, we will push for replication of this across the town and beyond.

55. Retrofitting public toilet model, Kargil, India
No toilets were functional in Kargil during the winter. With the learnings from Gangles and Wash Facility, Leh, a
frequently used public toilet at Kargil was renovated and designed for winter operations; the first of its kind in
Kargil. Its performance is being monitored, as on Dec-25th, the toilet is functional.

56. Assessment of Public Utilities, India & Nepal
Public toilets are South Asia are in a state of dysfunction – the first step to their correction is assessment. The
sanitation mapping tool was used to assess 40 Public toilets – 18 in Karnataka, 8 in Leh and 14 in Nepal. The
reports have been provided to the government on the basis of which action plans are being formulated.

57. Other interventions – Public Utilities (1/2)
Publicly accessible information regarding public utilities is a key to their uptake and usage; also builds
accountability of the authorities. For this purpose, updated data of all public toilets in Leh and Kargil was
uploaded on national public toilet portal operated by the Government of India.

58. Information is vital at the time of ongoing pandemic; Infographics were designed to spread awareness among
the sanitation workers and public for better understanding on the safety and hygiene of oneself. Different
Pictionary and cleaning sequence were used to indicate the cleanliness of the Public toilets in partner towns.
Other interventions – Public Utilities (2/2)

59. 6. Capacity Building
We have used the high COVID times for training and workshops. Apart
from the high COVID period, we have focused less on training and more
on implementation. We have also taken conscious decision that our
training has to be practical and horizontal in nature. There was a very
good result and response to such measure.

60. Capacity building initiatives in South Asia (1/2)
12 trainings were conducted across partner towns for elected representatives, engineers, municipal
officials, sanitation workers, operators etc. Around 350 participants were trained in capacity building
initiatives for Municipal Governance, O&M of Sewerage, Gravity Flow Systems, Water Safety etc.

61. Capacity building initiatives in South Asia (2/2)

62. Conference and Workshops in South Asia
1 national conference on Water Supply and Sanitation in Cold Climates and 6 workshops around themes such as
health and safety of sanitation workers, SDG 6&11 localization etc were organized. The secretary, MoUD, joined
and addressed our organized national conference on world water day.

63. Experiential horizontal learning in South Asia
5 Exposure visits were organized for the municipal officials, elected representatives and service providers to
promote cross learning and technical knowhow from good interventions and practices implemented in other
parts of India and Nepal. Around 35 officials and service providers were part of these exposure visits.

64. Leh vision 2030 completed and big success
Leh vision 2030 work was started in the year 2016 and completed in 2021. Many expert and decision makers
have remarked this as one the best example of good quality planning. The city fully owned the document and
now implementing project based on this vision.

65. 7. Publications and Media
This being the year-1 of the project, focus is less on publication,
nonetheless, we managed to have some knowledge products out. In
the next-2 years, we plan to bring out many publication with aim of
sharing our lessons

66. Knowledge Products: 12 products published

67. 67
Cleaning of your Dry toilets pits
without protective gears is an
offence - LEDeG
Renovation Plan for Stone Spouts
of Godawari Municipality, Nepal-
ENPHO
Integrated Decentralised Water
Management in small Indian towns - A
story from Leh, Ladakh LEDeG
Water Safety Plan Development
Process, ENPHO
Keep Leh Clean: Segregate Dry
and Wet Waste - LEDeG
My Mom - A Sanitation
Worker - LEDeG
Renovation Plan for Stone Spouts of
Kirtipur Municipality, Kathmandu
WASH Facility Centre, Leh
Videos: 8 learning and PR videos prepared

68. Media Coverage (1/2)
Work, Hygiene and Relaxation: A New Chapter
for Leh’s Sanitation Workers
World Cities Day: Need to Reclaim Spaces for
Better Living
Some efforts undertaken for sanitation workers, capacity building, thematic workshops, O&M practices etc. in
2021 received coverage in print, social and online media channels

69. Media Coverage (2/2)

70. 8. Building Team and System
BORDA-SA changed its portfolio. As result, the old partners and
staff were kept un-disturbed to carry forward the old vision. We
built completely new team, partnership and systems to based on
the need of the new vision of livable town and cities.

71. Planning and Review Meetings
Multiple planning and review meetings were conducted with partner organizations and networking partners in
2021, on project progress, log frame alignment, strategic partnership review, SDG localization and WASH tools
applications. The meeting is the ground for us to built new team, portfolio and system

72. Plan and Partnership with towns
8 high level planning meetings were conducted with municipal representatives from partner towns across India,
Nepal and Bangladesh. WASH intervention planning of 2021 was done with the partner towns and alignment
between municipal and project objectives was established in these meetings. MoU was signed with each partner
town for smooth implementation of the project.

73. Expert Advisory Committee Meetings, India and Nepal
Municipal Expert Advisory Committees, consisting of municipal representatives and sectoral experts, from
WASH, Municipal Governance, Finance, Urban Planning etc., were formed in 6 partner towns. 3 Advisory
Committee meetings were conducted in India and Nepal in 2021.

74. Brief Profile of Key Expert Committee Members
Shri. Deepak Sanan, Retd. IAS
Heads the Centre for Land
Governance at the IIHS and the
Land Policy Initiative at NCAER
Mr. Tikender Panwar
Ex. Deputy Mayor, Shimla, India
Expert in public governance,
policy advocacy, urban liveability,
water and sanitation
Shri. B. S. Ramaprasad, Retd.
IAS
Chief Executive at Gokula
Education Foundation.
Expert in governance, policy and
education sector
Dr. Zahida Banoo, KAS
Director, ULB, UT of Ladakh
Expert in urban governance and
administration
Mr. Sonam Wangchuk
Founding Director, SECMOL
Expert in sustainable
development and educational
reforms
Dr. Meghna Malhotra
Deputy Director, UMC
Expert in urban governance and
urban management, urban
health, urban water and
sanitation

75. Project Meetings in Field
As we built new portfolio, it was important that the staff was in touch with ground realities. Hence, we chose to
do all our project meetings in field itself. Multiple rounds of discussions were conducted with partner towns and
relevant sectoral experts for Swach Sarvekshan, Ground Water, Legacy Waste Management etc.

76. Our Partners

77. 77
Our Team