TNUSSP conducted a regional training for 170 Public Health officers from 21 municipalities, including Sanitary Officers, Inspectors, and SBM Supervisors and Animators. The sessions addressed FSTP O&M challenges and strategised the rollout of the Kakkaman campaign under the People’s Movement for Clean Cities (SBM 2.0).

A key focus was on improving FSTP utilisation, with officers highlighting operational and design challenges. A major concern was low resident awareness of regular desludging, FSTP availability, and engaging licensed Desludging Operators (DSOs). Officers also flagged issues of unauthorised disposal in farmlands and the need for stricter compliance.

To tackle these, discussions emphasised awareness-building for residents, DSOs and all city-level stakeholders on safe desludging practices and the importance of routing all waste to FSTPs. Officers received Kakkaman campaign guides and collaterals, and developed action plans to enhance FSTP utilisation and campaign execution in their ULBs.

Kakkaman (Shit-man) is a BCC campaign that uses fun, interactive messaging to promote FSM awareness. Recognised as Tamil Nadu’s liquid waste mascot under SBM 2.0, it engages various stakeholders in the full cycle of sanitation. Following the training, Tenkasi ULB and Srivilliputhur ULB have started the roll-out of the Kakkaman campaign.