The Project on Capacity Enhancement for Management of Sewage Sludge (Bio-Solids)
GUIDELINE ON SEWAGE SLUDGE MANAGEMENT [DRAFT]
Chapter 1 Introduction
April 2025
JICA Expert Team
Structure of Draft Guideline
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Project Background, Objective, Current Status (Sludge management, Administrative schemes)
Chapter 2 - Scenario of Sludge Utilization and Disposal in India - sludge
classification and technologies being implemented
Sludge Classification in various countries, Possible sludge utilization based on sludge characteristics
Chapter 3 - Planning Process of Sewage Sludge
Sludge Management planning, optimization of treatment processes, basic design, financial resources
and costs, environmental impact assessment
Chapter 4 - Treatment and Disposal Management
Description of the Technologies available to process the Sludge (e.g. Sludge thickening, anaerobic and
aerobic digestion, dewatering, drying bed, mechanical drying, new technologies) 2
Structure of Draft Guideline
Chapter 5 - Technologies and Management of Utilization
Detailing of Specific infrastructure based on the end use (e.g. Energy: biogas, fuel,
Agriculture: compost, fertilizer, Industrial: concrete material, block)
Chapter 6 - Operation and Maintenance
Guidance and Process description for operation and maintenance of various technologies involved
(e.g. Sludge thickening, anaerobic and aerobic digestion etc.) transportation, Preventive maintenance
management, trouble shooting, recording, SCADA, sampling and analysis, Cost and benefit analysis
Chapter 7 - Monitoring and KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Identified Parameters and periodicity on which the sludge management shall be monitored
(parameters like sludge quantity, sludge quality, pathogen removal efficiency, safe disposal
Environmental Impact etc.), Categories and the prioritization
3
1. Table of contents (1/1)
Chap. 1 Introduction
1-1 Background - -
1-2 Objectives - -
1-3-1 Introduction
Present Status of Sewage Sludge Management in
1-3-2
India
Current Status of Sewage Sludge Incentives for Proper Sewage Sludge
1-3 1-3-3
Management Management
Result of Site Visits all over India and the
1-3-4
Good/Bad Practices
1-3-5 Possible Utilization of Sewage Sludge
1-4-1 Governmental Administration
Governmental Administration,
1-4 1-4-2 Governmental Laws
Laws, and Regulations
1-4-3 Regulations
4
1-1 Background
The infrastructure for sewage management has been increasing recenty because
of increased public investments through several centrally supported projects and
schemes, including AMRUT, Namami Gange Mission, SBM, and NRCP.
As a result, nation-wide sludge generation from STPs is rapidly increasing.
Much portion of the sewage sludge is illegally and unscientifically disposed in
open spaces and close to water bodies which contaminates the water, aquifers,
soil, and air.
There are no environmental regulations for safe disposal of sewage sludge,
against the regulations for treated wastewater by CPCB.
National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) and Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) came forward with the proposal of the inclusion of
sewage sludge (biosolid) management and treatment, which led to the formulation
of the technical cooperation of the project on capacity enhancement for sewage
sludge in India.
5
1-2 Objectives
a. Appropriate sewage sludge classification in Indian context
b. Identification of issues in sludge management
c. Analyzing and evaluating characteristics of sewage sludge in the central and
rural cities considering risks by pathogenic viruses and heavy metals.
d. To provide a guiding document for the design consultant and operating agency of
the STP for proper planning, design and O&M of sludge disposal and treatment
e. Identification of suitable technology and process for achieving the prescribed
standards.
f. Improved Public Health Outcomes and Environmental Standards
g. Define the legal framework of sludge Management.
h. Suggesting best practices being implemented in India and proposing further
sludge utilization strategies that are implemented globally.
i. Financially viable treatment technologies to improve sludge management.
j. To contribute to the smooth implementation of circular economy by providing
resource and energy from sludge (see the Appendix)
6
1-3 Current Status of Sewage Sludge Management
1-3-1 Introduction
Sludge Generation: Approx 1 TPD
per 5 MLD treated wastewater.
Installed Capacity for Sludge
management: 7014 TPD
Actual Utilization: 3487 TPD
Source: Report prepared by Centre for Ganga River
Basin Management for STP Sludges in India 2023
Source: “National Inventory of Sewerage Treatment Plants” March 2021 by
Central Pollution Control Board 7
1-3 Current Status of Sewage Sludge Management
1-3-3 Incentives for Proper Sewage Sludge Management
Recognition and Branding
1. Public Recognition: Acknowledge and publicly recognize the contractor's achievements in managing sewage sludge efficiently, which can enhance their
reputation.
2. Certifications and Awards: Provide certifications or awards for outstanding performance in sludge management, which can be used for marketing and
business development.
3. Case Studies and Testimonials: Develop case studies or testimonials showcasing their success, which can be used to attract new clients.
Enhancement of Technical Level and Human Resources
1. Access to Advanced Technologies: Offer access to new technologies or tools that can help improve sludge management processes.
2. Training and Development: Provide training opportunities or workshops to help contractors improve their skills and knowledge in efficient sludge
management.
3. Research and Development Grants: Fund research and development projects aimed at improving sludge management technologies or methods.
Environmental and Community Benefits
1. Enhanced Environmental Compliance: Support efforts to meet or exceed environmental regulations, potentially reducing the risk of fines or legal issues.
2. Community Engagement: Offer incentives for engaging with the community to educate and involve them in sustainability efforts related to sewage sludge
management
Contractual Incentives
1. Long-Term Contracts: Provide the opportunity for longer-term contracts or renewals based on successful performance and efficiency in sludge management.
2. Preferred Contractor Status: Grant preferred contractor status for future projects, providing them with more opportunities and potential business.
3. Flexibility in Operations: Allow contractors more flexibility in choosing and implementing innovative technologies or methods if they demonstrate improved
efficiency.
8
1-3 Current Status of Sewage Sludge Management
ULBs Basic policy/ current status
- Basic policy under preparation
- Presently various treatment process are
Rishikesh Delhi adopted such as biogas power generation,
Haridwar
Delhi
composting, mechanical drying for
Haryana State
Manesar
Agra
Lucknow construction materials
Rajasthan
Noida,
UP State Bihar Mainly land application after drying bed
Ahmedabad
Kanpur
Varanasi Lucknow
Gujarat State
Narol
Bhopal
Kolkata Mainly land application and biogas power
Bharuch Indore
Bengaluru generation after digestion and de-centralized
Odisha
Pune sludge treatment
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Ahmedab Radiation hygienization process is under
Goa ad experiment. FCO approval not yet
Candidate states/cities for site visits All 7 STPs started renovation with stringent
Bengaluru Chennai
Candidate state/cities to be coordinated in Mumbai effluent standard and upgrade sludge disposal
implementation of activities
Other major states/cities (There is possibility
with Class A biosolids
to share information in workshops)
Candidate of field survey
Pune Sludge treatment not well operated
for sludge from CETPs
Goa Mainly land application for forest
9
1-3 Current Status of Sewage Sludge Management
1-3-4 Result of Site Visits all over India and Present Practices
Sludge handling units missing in many STPs.
Lack of record/monitoring in many STPs.
Only 10% of the STPs visited are utilizing the small portion of sludge in generation
of energy, compost, construction material. Majorly the sludge is getting dumped in
illegal and unsafe manner.
Despite required infrastructure, STPs not functioning properly due to problems in
O&M.
Dewatered sludge in most of the STPs taken away by farmers without proper
treatment, causing health risk
Inconsistent characteristics of sludge due to mixing of industrial wastes - Posing
challenges in treatment/utilization
Latest technologies like Solar Sludge drying and Hygienization units installed in
some STPs for converting sludge into fertilizer 10
1-3-4 Result of Site Visits all over India and Present Practices
Example 1: No Sludge Generation in the STPs
Outline
The STPs in Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata are Not generating any sludge.
Garden Reach STP
57.5 MLD, Kolkata
Sunder Pada STP 43.5 MLD, Bhubaneshwar
Remarks
1. The STPs in Bhubaneshwar are not getting enough sewage as most of the population is not opting for sewer
connections. Also, the influent wastewater received is the overflow of the septic tanks through drains where
BOD content is very low.
2. In case of Kolkata the STPs are having all sludge management facilities, however due to siltation issue and
less no. Of house connection the STPs are not generating any sludge since the time of commissioning.
April 17, 2025 11
11
1-3-4 Result of Site Visits all over India and Present Practices
Example 2: Need Optimization of Sludge Thickening
Outline
A sludge treatment system consists of a combination of basic
processes such as thickening, digestion, refining, dewatering and
drying. Thickening, which is the entrance of sludge treatment, is an
important process, and the quality of thickening has a great impact on
the treatment efficiency and cost of subsequent treatment processes..
KC Valley STP in Bengaluru Naidu 115MLD STP in Pune
visit on 31st Jan 2023 visit on 21st Apr 2023
Remarks
1. Gravity thickening is a method of thickening mixed sludge by natural sedimentation and is the most common
and inexpensive method.
2. Mechanical thickening can ensure an appropriate concentration when there is a large amount of organic
sludge with poor sedimentation properties, but it requires more power and is more expensive than gravity
thickening.
3. When selecting a thickening method, it is important to reduce the power consumption and cost of the entire
Aprilsludge
treatment system.
17, 2025 12
12
1-3-4 Result of Site Visits all over India and Present Practices
Example 3: Direct Use of Dewatered Sludge for Farmland
Outline
Sludge dewatering process can be found in many STPs. The major type of
dewatering machine is centrifugal. The moisture content of the dewatered
sludge is around 80%. Since there is no severe inflow of heavy metals in
Bengaluru and Noida, the dried sludge is received by nearby farmers with
free of charge.
V Valley STP in Bengaluru visit
on 30th Jan 2023 (with digestion)
Noida STP visit on 27th Jan
2023
Remarks
1. The sludge after digestion process is normally less value for agricultural use due to decomposition of carbon.
2. But if the anaerobic digestion process is properly managed, most of the pathogen is mostly killed by high
temperature. The scientific effect of digestion and drying for pathogen should be properly assessed before
the preparation of guideline.
3. No inflow of heavy metal also should be clearly proved by any periodical test. 13
April 17, 2025 13
1-3 Current Status of Sewage Sludge Management
1-3-5 Possible Utilization of Sewage Sludge
Influent
Primary Settling Sludge Sludge Utilization at green
tank thickening Dewatering farmland,
construction material,
landfilling
Radiation
Utilization at Compost Utilization at
Reactor Sludge Digestion Green Farmland green farmland
(Phosphorus
Utilization at
recovery) Drying Utilization for
green farmland,
construction
Final Settling Digestion solid fuels
material after
Tank Gas Utilization as Energy
Utilization at mechanical drying
Excess Carbonization green farmland, solid
Sludge ① Fuel (internal use) fuels
Disinfection Dryer, incinerator, heat Utilization at green farmland,
Incineration
Facility source at digestion tank, construction material,
boiler, auxiliary fuel for landfilling, waste heat
air conditioner utilization (Power generation)
② Power generation by gas,
Effluent (Phosphorus recovery)
fuel cells
③ Fuel for vehicle, Melting Construction materials
Utilization for city gas
Integration with
Centralized system CETP Sludge
* In case of conventional activated sludge method solid waste 14
1-3-5 Possible Utilization of Sewage Sludge
Example 1: Digestion and digester gas power generation
Outline The sludge is generated in Gravity Sludge Thickener (Primary Clarifier) and Dissolved Air
Flotation (DAF) is transferred to Anaerobic Sludge Digester. The digested sludge is
transferred from Anaerobic Sludge Digester to Centrifuge. The sludge from centrifuge is
used for Power Generation and some amount of dried sludge is taken away by farmers
140MLD Dinapur STP, Varanasi Bio Gas Holder
Remarks
1. The generated biogas meets 80% of the plant power demand. The plant have 3 no power generators of 835KW
capacity each
2. Some amount of sludge is sold to farmers in 40 kg bags at a rate of Rs 300 per bag. This generates annual
sludge sale of Rs 15-16 lakhs per year. 15
April 17, 2025 15
1-3-5 Possible Utilization of Sewage Sludge
Example 2: Manufacture of horticultural fertilizer by composting
The generated sludge is processed through Sludge Thickener – to sludge dewatering units (Centrifuge).
Outline The dewatered sludge is then sent to solar sludge drying facility for conversion of STP sludge to
compost. The Bio compost is presently used by the Housing Board for horticulture in the STP plants and
public Gardens under their Jurisdiction.
Sludge dehydrator (centrifuge) Solar Sludge Drying Bed
37.5MLD STP (SBR), Lucknow
Remarks
1. 10-12 TPD of wet sludge & 2TPD of dry solids
2. The Compost after solar sludge cannot be sold out due to FCO order.
April 17, 2025 16
16
1-3-5 Possible Utilization of Sewage Sludge
Example 3: Production of paving tiles with Sludge drying technology
Outline
This technology dries sludge and raises the temperature
of the dried sludge to approximately 750℃ to convert it
into ash. As a result, the sludge volume is drastically
minimized.
DJB - Kondli STP visit
on 19th Feb 2023
Remarks
1. The company produces 2,000 to 3,000 tiles/day by shaping and solidifying tiles with 30% ash and 70%
cement and other components (aggregate, sand).
2. The manufactured tiles are used as paving tiles.
17
1-4 Governmental Administration, Laws and Regulations
Union Government Laws and Regulations
Ministry of Jal Shakti 1. General
National River Conservation Directorate 2. Water prevention and control of
National Mission for Clean Ganga pollution Act 1974
Ministry of Environment Forest and 3. Environment Protection Act 1986
Climate Change
Central Pollution Control Board 4. NGT Act 2010 and order for
Control of Pollution stringent STP effluent
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs 5. Environment standard for CETP
Central Public Health and Environmental 2016
Engineering Organization 6. Draft regulation of CETP rules
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers 7. Sludge regulations
Welfare (1) Sludge treatment
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (2) Sludge disposal
(3) Sludge reuse
18
