The achievement of Swachh Bharat mission goals necessitates the modernization of urban local bodies through the incorporation of the latest technology and knowledge, as well as establishing connections with career progression, as per a report by the climate-focused think tank TERI. The report underscores the challenges faced by individuals involved in de-sludging and recommends that the government provide essential skills to these workers, coupling training with immediate job placement.

The TERI report suggests that making capacity-building activities mandatory for urban local bodies and linking them with career advancement would integrate capacity building with the overall development plans of cities. This integration is deemed essential to bridge the gap in capacity enhancement efforts and achieve the mission’s objectives.

Part of a collaborative program spanning three years (2014-17) involving TERI, Coca-Cola India, and USAID, the report proposes improvements in the capacities of key institutions responsible for the efficient functioning of urban water and sanitation. It advocates for the utilization of funds allocated for capacity building in urban areas to enhance the skills of officials responsible for preventive maintenance of sanitation infrastructure networks.

The report emphasizes the need to enhance institutional, financial, and human resource capacities of urban bodies to better manage faecal sludge and septage. Drawing inspiration from the success story of Bangladesh in eliminating open defecation by empowering grassroots communities, the report recommends that the government educate, motivate, and mobilize households and communities for increased participation in planning and implementing sanitation services.

Highlighting the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the report urges the government to boost the capacities of NGOs and other partners to effectively engage in the entire water, sanitation, and hygiene sector.