Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) redefines sanitation by operating its Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) at Matagajapur not just as a facility, but as a beacon of dignity, inclusion, and social transformation.
The plant ensures scientific faecal sludge management and strengthens environmental protection, reflecting Odisha’s commitment to people-centric urban governance.
At the heart of this initiative lies a remarkable human story. Transgender persons engaged under Odisha’s GARIMA scheme manage the operation and maintenance of the FSTP. Once marginalised and excluded, they now contribute confidently, professionally, and proudly to essential urban services.
Seven “superhumans”—Susri Seetal Bastia (Secretary of the Self Help Group), Tanushree Behera (President), and members Sibane, Pritam Singh, Suman, Tiki, and Ranjan Kumar Sahoo—form the backbone of daily operations. Together, they ensure the smooth functioning of the facility, which treats faecal sludge collected from across the city. As a result, they directly contribute to cleaner neighbourhoods and safer urban living.
The FSTP operates with a treatment capacity of 60 KLD, supported by 13 cesspool vehicles driven by trained personnel. On average, teams undertake several hundred desludging trips every month. Consequently, they guarantee safe treatment of faecal sludge and reduce environmental and public health risks.
Their journey from the margins of society to the mainstream of urban service delivery demonstrates the transformative power of compassionate policy. What once stood as a struggle for survival now shines as a life of purpose, contribution, and dignity—earning livelihoods, social acceptance, and respect.
Recognising that dignity requires stability, the Government of Odisha will extend housing support to GARIMA workers under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) after enrolment through Sahajog. By enabling access to safe housing, the State ensures inclusion goes beyond livelihood—towards long-term security, belonging, and self-respect.
Through this integrated approach, the Housing and Urban Development Department reaffirms that sanitation is not only about infrastructure—it is about people. Odisha sets an inspiring example of governance that listens, cares, and delivers.
