The sanitation problem is not just about eliminating the need for open defecation by providing infrastructure and instilling durable behaviour change, but also ensuring safe containment in toilets, regular cleaning and proper conveyance of wastes from septic tanks, and treatment leading to disposal or safe re-use.
Studies have shown that many a time, septic tanks are not constructed properly and hence, do not function as safe containment and preliminary treatment structures. Consequently, training programmes were organised to reorient the masons to construct proper septic tanks and twin pits that perform according to design, and are not prone to exfiltration and leakages.

The most popular understanding of sanitation in urban areas is restricted to stopping open defecation, using toilets and disposing of the waste through the Underground Sewerage System. Though the Government of Tamil Nadu, through its Operative Guidelines on Septage Management, has outlined the cost advantages for strengthening on-site sanitation systems (septic tanks and twin pits), the proof of concept for these approaches remains to be established in the perception of decision-makers and implementers. A two-day Orientation cum Training Programme on Fecal Sludge and Septage Management was organised for Officers working in State-level agencies, ULBs, and selected Utilities.