National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) - "Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) Formation and Functionalisation"
The NAMASTE scheme's Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) component helps Municipal Corporations, Water/Sewer Boards, and district headquarters set up trained sanitation teams with proper safety equipment for maintaining sewers and septic tanks — eliminating the need for workers to enter confined spaces unsafely. Up to ₹2 lakh is reimbursed per ERSU for safety equipment after completing required setup steps. Workers get profiling, PPE, and certified training as Sewer Entry Professionals.
About This Scheme
The NAMASTE scheme's Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) component helps Municipal Corporations, Water/Sewer Boards, and district headquarters set up trained sanitation teams with proper safety equipment for maintaining sewers and septic tanks — eliminating the need for workers to enter confined spaces unsafely. Up to ₹2 lakh is reimbursed per ERSU for safety equipment after completing required setup steps. Workers get profiling, PPE, and certified training as Sewer Entry Professionals.
Full official description
The "National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)" scheme was launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The component "Emergency Response Sanitation Unit (ERSU) Formation and Functionalisation" aims to establish professional, well-trained, motivated and adequately equipped workforce for maintenance and management of sewers and septic tanks, addressing the critical need to eliminate fatalities resulting from workers entering sewers and septic tanks without proper safety measures. The component provides establishment of Emergency Response Sanitation Units in all Municipal Corporations and district headquarters, equipped with trained manpower, requisite safety equipment and citizen helpline number 14420 for emergency sanitation services.
Benefits
- Reimbursement of up to ₹2 lakh per ERSU for safety devices (gas masks, breathing apparatus, safety harness, wader suits, helmets, emergency oxygen kits, tripods, and more)
- PPE provided to sanitation workers for emergency confined-space cleaning
- Competency-based training and certification for all ERSU staff and Sewer Entry Professionals
- National citizen helpline 14420 for emergency sanitation requests, covering 75 km radius per unit
- ₹15 crore allocated over 5 years for central monitoring and equipment across 1,000–1,400 institutions
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
For Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations, Water Boards, District HQs):
- Must designate a Responsible Sanitation Authority (District Magistrate or Municipal Commissioner)
- Must establish and maintain citizen helpline number 14420
- Must complete profiling of all Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in the jurisdiction
- Must ensure trained manpower and safety equipment readiness
- Must comply with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers Act, 2013
For Sanitation Workers:
- Must be a sewer or septic tank worker engaged by a ULB, parastatal agency, or private sanitation service
- Must be above 18 years of age
- Must participate in profiling camps organized by the ULB
How to Apply
Step 1:**** Portal Registration
- Access the official NAMASTE portal and create institutional account with complete organizational details.
- Upload required documents including incorporation certificate, audit reports, and organizational chart.
- Verify bank account details, contact information, and current sanitation infrastructure status.
Step 2:**** Digital Authentication
- Create secure login credentials with strong password and multi-factor authentication setup.
- Submit digital signatures and official seals for institutional verification.
- Complete document review process within 3-5 working days for approval.
Step 3:**** RSA Designation
- Designate District Magistrate or Municipal Commissioner as Responsible Sanitation Authority (RSA).
- Define roles including emergency response coordination and compliance monitoring under Manual Scavengers Act 2013.
- Obtain official approval through competent authority with proper legal notification.
Step 4:**** Documentation Upload
- Upload signed designation order on official letterhead with file number and appointment date.
- Include official seal/stamp and ensure document meets technical specifications (PDF format, minimum 300 DPI).
- Submit supporting documents and organizational chart showing RSA position.
Step 5:**** Verification and Activation
- Receive system-generated acknowledgment with reference number for tracking.
- Monitor portal for status updates and respond to any clarification requests promptly.
- Begin SSW profiling and ERSU establishment preparations upon successful verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of establishing Emergency Response Sanitation Units across urban areas in India?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units are established to systemize human entry into sewer and septic tanks through the organization of a professional, well-trained, motivated and appropriately equipped establishment for mechanized cleaning operations.
Which authority is responsible for overseeing the Emergency Response Sanitation Units in each district?
The District Magistrate in every district can be designated as the Responsible Sanitation Authority with clearly defined roles and responsibilities through statute to oversee sanitation response operations.
Where will the Emergency Response Sanitation Units be physically located within the district structure?
A well-equipped Sanitation Response Unit shall be set up in the headquarters of the Urban Local Body of the district, with a mandate to serve the entire district covering both rural and urban areas.
What is the geographical coverage area that each Emergency Response Sanitation Unit is expected to serve?
Each Emergency Response Sanitation Unit established in the largest Urban Local Body of each district shall service emergency cleaning operations in both urban areas and the peripheral rural jurisdiction of that district.
How many Emergency Response Sanitation Units are anticipated to be established nationwide under this initiative?
Approximately 1000 Sanitation Response Units are likely to be set up across the country for emergency cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
What is the preferred helpline number that Emergency Response Sanitation Units should operationalize for receiving service requests?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units should operationalize helpline number 14420 to receive service requests from citizens for cleaning of sewer septic tanks and related emergency services.
Which specific sanitation workers are permitted to undertake manual cleaning operations through Emergency Response Sanitation Units?
Only skilled and certified Sewer and Septic Tank Workers designated as Sewer Entry Professionals will undertake manual cleaning of septic tanks, machine holes, and sewer lines in exceptional cases.
What safety equipment and devices will Emergency Response Sanitation Units receive for conducting deep cleaning operations?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units will receive safety devices including air compressor for blower, air purified gas mask, breathing apparatus, emergency medical oxygen kit, full body wader suit, safety harness, and other protective equipment.
What is the maximum financial assistance provided to Emergency Response Sanitation Units for procurement of safety devices?
Safety devices costing up to ₹2,00,000 will be provided to Emergency Response Sanitation Units on reimbursement basis for conducting safe manual cleaning operations in emergency situations.
Under what conditions will Emergency Response Sanitation Units be eligible to receive safety devices and equipment?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units will receive safety devices after appointment of Responsible Sanitation Authority, establishment of functional helpline number, completion of profiling of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers, and their occupational training.
Which ministry is responsible for providing specific training to Emergency Response Sanitation Unit staff for emergency cleaning operations?
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will provide specific training to Sewer Entry Professionals and Emergency Response Sanitation Unit staff for cleaning sewers and septic tanks in emergency conditions.
What type of training approach will be adopted for strengthening Emergency Response Sanitation Unit operations?
A competency-based approach for training will be adopted creating an ecosystem for delivering simulation and video-based training, practical assessments and certification matching global standards.
Which categories of sanitation work are Emergency Response Sanitation Units specifically mandated to handle?
Emergency Response Sanitation Units are mandated to handle emptying of septic tanks, sewerage network maintenance, and mechanized cleaning operations requiring professional intervention.
How will Emergency Response Sanitation Units coordinate with rural sanitation bodies in their operational area?
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation shall collaborate with Emergency Response Sanitation Units for sensitization of rural bodies for availing emergency cleaning services in peripheral rural areas.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- > ***During Application***
- Resolution from Municipal Corporation Board or Water and Sewer Board Approving Emergency Response Sanitation Unit Establishment.
- Notification Copy Designating Responsible Sanitation Authority (District Magistrate or Municipal Commissioner).
- Proof of Establishment of Helpline Number 14420 with Operational Details.
- Complete Database of Profiled Sewer and Septic Tank Workers in the Jurisdiction.
- Training Completion Certificates of Identified Sewer and Septic Tank Workers.
- List of Designated and Trained Sewer Entry Professionals with Certification Details.
- > ***During Reimbursement***
- Purchase Invoices and Bills for Safety Devices and Equipment (Original).
- Utilisation Certificate for Safety Devices Procured Under the Component.
- Compliance Report Confirming Adherence to Manual Scavenging Act 2013 Provisions.
- Operational Report of Emergency Response Sanitation Unit Activities and Service Delivery.
- Bank Account Details with Permanent Account Number for Reimbursement Processing.
- > *All documents must be submitted in scanned format with file size not exceeding 2 MB per document.
- > *Certificates and official documents must be attested by competent authority.
- > *Financial documents must be original invoices with proper vendor details and tax compliance.