Collection and conveyance of faecal sludge
Diversion of used water from drains to sewer network
Pumping of used water to a higher level
Conveyance of used water through gravity or rising mains
The sewer system should be designed to ensure cost-effectiveness, aiming for a low and competitive overall cost. The design of the sewer network largely depends on site-specific conditions such as ground profile, pipe size, slope, and depth. Wherever feasible, it is recommended to adopt a gravity-based collection system, as it is more economical and requires minimal operational energy.
Gravity mains are a fundamental component of sewerage systems, designed to convey used water through natural gravitational forces. These pipes are laid at a calculated slope to ensure consistent flow towards treatment facilities or pumping stations without the need for mechanical assistance.
Rising mains, also known as force mains, are pressurized pipelines used to convey used water from pumping stations to higher elevations or directly to the STP. Unlike gravity sewers, rising mains operate under pressure generated by pumps, enabling efficient transport over long distances and varying terrains.
Manholes are essential components of the sewer network, providing access for inspection, maintenance, ventilation and cleaning. They are strategically placed along the sewer line to facilitate effective operation and ease of maintenance.
India's urban sanitation landscape is undergoing a major transformation under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 (SBM 2.0), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India. A key focus area of SBM 2.0 is Used Water Management (UWM)—a critical component for ensuring safe sanitation for all and achieving the targets outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
With rapid urbanization and rising volumes of used water generated from domestic sources across thousands of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), there is an urgent need to plan and implement collection and conveyance mechanism along with treatment infrastructure that is appropriate, scalable, and sustainable. However, sewer system planning to convey the used water and selecting the right technology, developing context-specific designs, and estimating project costs continue to pose significant challenges for ULBs and practitioners involved in sanitation planning.
To address this gap and support more effective planning and implementation of UWM systems, MoHUA, in collaboration with the WASH Institute, has developed a dedicated web-based portal. This portal serves as a technical decision-support tool to accelerate used water management interventions across the country. It features a curated menu of widely used collection and conveyance systems and treatment technologies, along with associated standard designs, technical drawings, and quantity estimates (BoQs). Users can select technologies based on their specific needs, download comprehensive design packages, and apply local rate schedules to estimate project costs.
In addition to used water management systems, the portal also features a dedicated catalogue of architect-designed public and community toilet models developed for diverse urban contexts. These standardised designs are implementation-ready and include complete architectural drawings, layout plans, technical details, and Bill of Quantities (BoQs) to support faster project planning and execution by ULBs. Developed as adaptable "plug-and-play" reference models, the designs can be customised to suit varying site conditions, land availability, user footfall, and local requirements while maintaining functionality, inclusiveness, and ease of maintenance.
The designs, drawings, and estimates available on the portal have been developed by experienced sector professionals in accordance with CPHEEO guidelines and established best practices. For electro-mechanical treatment systems, the designs were further reviewed and vetted by leading industry experts to ensure alignment with current standards. All technologies included on the portal have been assessed for practical applicability and are already in use across various ULBs throughout India.
By providing easy access to standardized and reliable resources, the portal aims to streamline technology selection, support the planning and implementation of public sanitation infrastructure, reduce duplication of effort, and accelerate the delivery of UWM systems and context-responsive public and community toilet infrastructure across the country.
Importantly, the portal is not intended to be a static repository. It is designed as a dynamic and evolving platform that can grow through contributions from practitioners and institutions. Future updates will include the integration of state-specific rate data, enabling users to generate real-time cost estimates.
There are 5 stages for local governments to follow while planning and implementing used water management projects.
Prerequisite: If CSAP approved, to identify projects
Output: Comprehensive plan with list of projects to manage 100% used water
Prerequisite: If projects identified, to prepare DPR
Output: Detailed project reports for each UWM project, as per CPHEEO norms
Prerequisite: If DPR approved, to prepare bid documents
Output: Bidding documents and specifications needed to hire contractors
Prerequisite: If contractor hired, to monitor the construction
Output: Checklist to ensure implementation as per applicable IS standards
Prerequisite: If construction in last phase, to initiate O&M
Output: SOPs for monitoring the infrastructure in the O&M stage
This portal supports Stage 3
by providing standardized technical drawings and cost estimates to streamline the tendering process.
This portal is designed to support Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), architects, consultants, and implementing agencies with standardised architectural drawings, layout plans, and indicative Bill of Quantities (BoQs) for public and community toilet infrastructure.
Users are expected to:
Review all drawings, layouts, dimensions, structural details, and estimates before implementation.
Adapt the designs to local site conditions, land availability, soil conditions, utility connections, user requirements, accessibility needs, and applicable state or local regulations.
Use locally applicable Schedule of Rates (SoR), construction specifications, and engineering practices while preparing project estimates and tender documents.
Obtain all necessary technical approvals, structural validations, and statutory clearances prior to execution.
The designs, drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities (BoQs) available on this portal are intended as reference and planning tools only. While due care has been taken in preparing these resources, MoHUA, WASH Institute, architects, technical partners, and contributors to the portal shall not be held responsible for site-specific implementation outcomes, construction quality, structural performance, cost variations, or operational issues arising from the use of these materials.
These drawings and BoQs should not be treated as final construction drawings without appropriate site verification, engineering review, and contextual modifications by qualified professionals.
It is the responsibility of the user and implementing agency to ensure compliance with applicable national, state, and local regulations, including accessibility standards, fire and electrical safety norms, environmental requirements, and other relevant statutory provisions before construction and operation.