JANAAGRAHA | Viega Foundation

JANAAGRAHA:
ADVANCING INCLUSIVE SANITATION IN ASSAM'S CITIES.

INDIA | STATUS: CURRENT

India’s rapid urbanisation is increasing the need for safe, inclusive and sustainable sanitation systems in its growing cities. While significant progress has been made in expanding access to toilets, infrastructure alone is not enough. Safe sanitation requires systems that ensure waste is properly contained, collected, treated and managed over time - and that services reach everyone.

This challenge is particularly important in Assam, where many cities have limited sewer networks and recurring floods place additional pressure on sanitation systems. Janaagraha is working across ten fast growing cities to help lay the foundations for safe, inclusive and sustainable citywide sanitation systems.

Left: Field observations in Nagaon, Assam, highlighting sanitation challenges and environmental risks linked to wetland encroachment.

JANAAGRAHA:
ADVANCING INCLUSIVE SANITATION IN ASSAM'S CITIES.

Janaagraha is an Indian non-profit organisation with over two decades of experience working with national, state and city governments, towards its mission to transform the quality of life in India’s cities and towns. Its approach focuses on strengthening 'city-systems', i.e. systems that enable urban India to plan, design, govern, finance, and manage itself.

In Assam, Janaagraha works in partnership with the Government of Assam across ten fast-growing cities. Its work supports participatory City Action Plans and strengthens the institutional, planning and financing capabilities needed to deliver sustainable urban development under Doh Shaher Ek Rupayan (DSER), Assam’s flagship urban development programme.

Left: Field observations in Nagaon, Assam, highlighting sanitation challenges and environmental risks linked to wetland encroachment.

JANAAGRAHA:
ADVANCING INCLUSIVE SANITATION IN ASSAM'S CITIES.

India has built millions of toilets in recent years – but that is not enough. For sanitation to truly benefit everyone, it must be safe, equitable, and sustainable. In Assam, the challenge is compounded by the fact that cities lack sewer systems and are frequently affected by flooding. Most households rely on decentralized systems like septic tanks, which require regular maintenance and emptying. At the same time, there is often a lack of funds and expertise to operate these systems in the long term.

Without proper planning, financing, and collaboration, sanitation facilities may remain unused, unsafe or fail to reach marginalized groups such as women, people with disabilities, or residents of informal settlements.

Left: Field observations in Nagaon, Assam, highlighting sanitation challenges and environmental risks linked to wetland encroachment.

JANAAGRAHA:
ADVANCING INCLUSIVE SANITATION IN ASSAM'S CITIES.

The project will help lay foundation for Citywide Inclusive Sanitation system across the ten cities. Janaagraha will build on existing City Action Plans to assess sanitation gaps and risks and, together with the state government, municipalities, grassroot organisations and other stakeholders, identify priorities and institutional responsibilities.

The work will also develop practical approaches for planning, financing, operations and maintenance and support the development of a longer-term roadmap for inclusive sanitation across the participating cities.

Beyond Assam, the initiative is expected to generate approaches and lessons that can inform sanitation improvements in other small and mid-sized Indian cities facing similar challenges.

Left: Field observations in Nagaon, Assam, highlighting sanitation challenges and environmental risks linked to wetland encroachment.