Expertise: Wastewater Treatment and STP Assessment Specialist
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: National
TOR Keywords: Sewage treatment plant assessment, wastewater treatment, process engineering, team leader
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
BACKGROUND
Rajasthan is one of India’s largest states and faces significant water-security, urbanization, and
environmental-management challenges. Expansion of sewerage and wastewater treatment has therefore been a
core element of the state’s urban development agenda. Over more than two decades, the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), the Government of India, and the Government of Rajasthan have worked together through
successive urban development programs to improve water supply, sewerage, sanitation, urban
infrastructure, institutional systems, and service delivery.
ADB-supported urban operations in Rajasthan have progressively moved from infrastructure improvement in
major cities to medium and secondary towns, while increasingly emphasizing sector reforms, inclusive
sanitation, performance-based operation and maintenance (O&M), resource efficiency, digital monitoring,
and sustainability. This long engagement provides a substantial portfolio of sewage treatment plants
(STPs), associated sewerage systems, operating arrangements, and implementation experience that can
inform the design of the proposed next generation of urban investments in the state.
1.1 ADB-financed urban development phases in Rajasthan
Phase
ADB operation
Period
Coverage
Main focus
Phase I
Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP), Loan 1647
1998-2009
Six major cities
Integrated urban infrastructure including water supply, sewerage, transport, slum improvement, heritage,
firefighting and other municipal facilities. The operation established the institutional and
implementation platform for subsequent phases.
Phase II
Rajasthan Urban Sector Development Investment Program (RUSDIP), MFF; Loans 2386, 2506 and 2725
2007-2017
15 medium-sized urban local bodies
Expanded water supply, sewerage, drainage, roads and institutional strengthening to medium-sized
district headquarters. The phased MFF approach supported progressive expansion while building
implementation capacity.
Phase III
Rajasthan Urban Sector Development Program (RUSDP), Loans 3182 and 3183; Grant 0413; TA 8749
2014-2023 completion reporting
Investments in selected towns, with statewide policy and institutional reforms
A sector development program combining a policy-based loan with project investments. It supported water
distribution in five project cities and sewerage systems in six project cities, together with sector
reforms, governance improvements, capacity building and fecal sludge management support.
Phase IV
Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project (RSTDSP), Loan 3972 and Additional Financing Loan
4325
2020-2029 scheduled implementation period
Secondary towns across Rajasthan
Ongoing investments in water supply, sanitation, drainage and heritage-related improvements. Current
project records indicate a combined ADB financing of $500 million and coverage of 62 towns, including
sanitation interventions in 34 towns.
Phase I covered six of Rajasthan’s largest cities and had a total reported investment of about $362
million, including $250 million of ADB financing. Phase II had a reported investment of about $390
million, including $273 million of ADB financing, and extended support to 15 medium-sized urban district
headquarters. Phase III had a reported investment of about $556.71 million, including about $360.63
million from ADB and grant support, and combined infrastructure investments with nine sector policy
reforms. Phase IV has a reported investment of about $728.3 million, including $500 million of ADB
financing, and is extending urban services to secondary towns.
1.2 Relevant achievements and lessons
Across the four phases, ADB-supported interventions have included water supply and sewerage
infrastructure, STPs and fecal sludge treatment facilities, drainage, urban transport, slum improvement,
heritage conservation, institutional strengthening, community engagement, safeguards systems, e-
procurement, financial management, geographical information systems, supervisory control and data
acquisition, nonrevenue-water reduction, and longer-term or performance-based O&M arrangements.
The completion and evaluation documents from earlier phases highlight several lessons relevant to this
assignment: infrastructure performance depends on realistic design and implementation schedules; house
service connections and hydraulic loading must be addressed together with treatment capacity; O&M
financing and institutional capacity are critical to sustainability; water-source and receiving-
environment considerations need to be integrated into project design; and performance indicators should
be focused, measurable, and linked to responsibilities. The assessment shall therefore examine actual
loading, effluent compliance, O&M systems, sewer connectivity, reuse, sludge management, with focus on
identifying key performance issues and opportunities for improvement.
The ongoing Phase IV project is expected to improve water supply services for about 930,000 people and
sanitation services for about 1.8 million people. As of the August-September 2026 mission record,
sanitation works included about 1,660 km of sewers, 15 STPs, 12 fecal sludge treatment plants, and more
than 86,000 sewer connections, with additional works under implementation. These investments increase
the importance of periodically reviewing STP performance and identifying opportunities for improving
operational sustainability and service delivery.
- Rationale and Purpose of the Assignment
Rajasthan has developed a large number of STPs under ADB-supported programs and state or national
schemes. While assets have been created across different periods, technologies, capacities, contractual
arrangements, and local conditions, a consolidated understanding of their current operational
performance and sustainability is needed. The Government of Rajasthan and ADB therefore propose a rapid
assessment of approximately 35 STPs, primarily developed under previous ADB financing, supplemented by a
limited and representative sample of state-funded STPs.
The assignment will generate evidence and practical recommendations for the proposed new urban program.
It will identify measures for improving the performance and sustainability of existing facilities
support prioritization of corrective action and O&M investments and will help refine future approaches
to STP design, sewer connectivity, O&M contracting based on lessons from existing facilities. The
consultants will also assess, at a high level, the resilience of selected wastewater systems and
treatment facilities to climate-related risks and identify practical measures to improve operational
reliability, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
- Objective
The objective is to undertake a rapid, consistent, and evidence-based assessment of approximately 35
STPs in Rajasthan and recommend practical measures to improve their performance and to inform
preparation and implementation of the proposed new urban program.
The assignment will be undertaken with a team of 3 experts – an International Consultant, and two
National Consultants. The International Consultant is responsible for leading the assignment, providing
strategic input and recommendations, and ensuring quality of the final outputs. The National Consultants
shall coordinate with relevant partners, assess the STPs, collect and consolidate data, and support with
preparing first drafts.
Within this team, the objective of this National Consultant is to coordinate with local partners, assess
approximately 15 STPs, assess system-wide sanitation networks in selected towns, quality-check the data
and plant ratings from all 35 STPs for consistency, and to prepare the first draft of the report on the
current status of the STPs, with initial recommendations for improvement.
During the inception stage, the International Consultant and the two National Consultants shall jointly
confirm the final list of STPs to be assessed, their locations, fieldwork arrangements, and allocation
of responsibilities among the consultant team. The final division of site visits and assessment
responsibilities shall be agreed at inception based on geographical distribution, logistical
considerations, consultant inputs, and data availability. Such arrangements may be adjusted during
implementation in consultation with ADB to ensure efficient delivery of the assignment.
Scope of Work
Expected Outcomes
Expected outcomes of the overall STP assessment team are the following:
- A verified overview of the functionality, utilization, treatment performance, O&M condition,
environmental compliance, and sustainability of the selected STPs. - Plant-specific priority actions categorized as immediate, medium-term, and longer-term measures.
- A simple benchmarking and grading STPs using measurable indicators.
- Recommendations for maximizing safe and financially viable reuse of treated wastewater and improving
sludge management and beneficial use, as well as enhancing climate-resilience. - Consolidated technical and O&M recommendations for the proposed new program.
Expected outcomes specific to this consultant’s assignment:
- Data requests, site access and field schedules agreed with LSGD, RUDSICO/ RUIDP, the PMU, relevant
ULBs and plant operators. - Completed assessments of 15 STPs (5 jointly with the second National Consultant and 10 independently),
each with a completed template, field notes, photographic records and draft plant-level recommendations. - A review and quality check of the data and proposed ratings from all approximately 35 STPs, including
early site data packs from the second National Consultant, with inconsistencies documented and resolved. - A verified record of O&M arrangements, compliance history, sludge management and reuse practices
across all STP. - A system-level review of the selected towns covering sewer connectivity, pumping, flow balance,
infiltration or inflow, industrial discharge, septage receipt, trunk capacity and bypassing where these
materially affect plant performance, with short town-level findings submitted to the Team Leader. - A first draft of the report on the operational status of the STPs, with preliminary recommendations
for improvement, submitted to the Team Leader. - Support to consultations and validation meetings.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Task 1. Inception, desk review and assessment methodology
- Review relevant ADB project documents, PCRs, validation reports, mission records, design documents,
completion records, O&M contracts, performance reports, environmental monitoring reports, prior
assessments, and applicable national and state requirements. - Support confirmation of the sample of approximately 35 STPs to be assessed.
- Contribute to developing and refining the assessment templates, data collection formats, and site
inspection checklists, with specific input on O&M, sludge and reuse. - Coordinate data requests with relevant government agencies, urban local bodies (ULBs), project
management units (PMUs), and plant operators. - Assist in preparing fieldwork schedules and logistical arrangements.
- Identify data gaps and follow up with relevant agencies to obtain required information.
Task 2. Rapid assessment of approximately 35 STPs
The consultant shall serve as the one of two field-based experts for the assignment and undertake site
visits to selected STPs across Rajasthan. The consultant shall visit approximately 15 STPs – 5 jointly
with the second national consultant, and 10 independently.
The consultant shall also review the data packs from the second National Consultant’s first few
independent site visits before further independent visits proceed.
For each selected STP, the consultant shall as applicable:
- Collect basic plant information and operational data as agreed with the consultant and ADB team
- Review available performance information, physical and operational conditions, treatment performance,
energy use, influent and effluent data and treatment performance. - Review O&M arrangements, health and safety observations.
- Prepare detailed field notes, photographic records, and completed assessment templates.
- Support developing plant-specific recommendations for improvement of performance
Task 3. System-level review linked to STP performance
The assignment is primarily an STP assessment. Review of sewerage networks shall be targeted and limited
to factors materially affecting plant performance. A few towns or projects areas will be selected by the
Team Leader and consultant team, in coordination with ADB and the Government of Rajasthan.
In selected towns, the national consultant shall lead a review of sewer connectivity, pumping, flow
balance, infiltration or inflow, industrial discharge, septage receipt, trunk capacity, bypassing, and
constraints that result in underutilization, overloading, or unstable treatment. Town-level reports
shall be prepared for review of the Team Leader.
The assessment shall be based primarily on available records, site observations, and discussions with
relevant government agencies and plant operators; wider network assessments and public consultations are
not envisaged under this assignment.
Task 4. Benchmarking and grading framework
- Support a comparative assessment of STPs using a simple traffic-light rating system (Good / Moderate /
Poor) for assessed STPs based on functionality, utilization, O&M condition, compliance history, and
sustainability considerations. - Prepare draft plant-level scorecards and compile assessment information in a database
Task 5. Reuse, Sludge and Resource Recovery
- Review and quality-check data on sludge management and treated wastewater reuse compiled across all
STPs. - Compile current practices, document examples of good practice, and provide a synthesis to the Team
Leader to support the evaluation.
Task 6. Lessons and recommendations for the proposed new program
- Assist in identifying recurring design, construction, commissioning, connectivity, O&M, issues that
should be addressed in the new program. - Contribute field-based evidence and observations for development of recommendations.
Task 7. Coordination and consolidated joint report
This assessment is being undertaken with a team of one international expert and two national experts. Th
international consultant shall serve as team leader and shall coordinate inputs from other experts
mobilized for the assignment. All experts shall apply the same approved methodology and templates.
The national consultant will serve as the lead field-based resource for the assignment, and coordinate
the field work inputs of the second expert mobilized for the assignment. The consultant shall work
together with the international consultant (team leader) and shall coordinate inputs from other experts
mobilized for the assignment. The consultant is expected to:
- Quality-check the database, plant summaries, and ratings for all 35 STPs to ensure consistency
- Give regular updates on the progress and key issues identified during fieldwork
- Prepare the first draft of the report on the current status of the STPs with recommendations for
improvement, submitted to the team leader - Contribute to inception, interim, draft, and final reports.
- Support stakeholder workshops, consultations, and validation meetings.
Deliverables and Indicative Schedule
Deliverable
Indicative timing
Minimum content
- Inception Report
Within 2 weeks of commencement
Final sample; methodology; templates; grading approach; data request; expert deployment; field plan;
report outline. - Interim STP Assessment Database and Plant Score cards
Within 5 weeks of commencement
Completed templates, field notes, photographs and consultation notes for the STPs visited to date;
review of the early site data packs from second national consultant - Final STP Assessment Database and Plant Score cards
Within 7 weeks of commencement
Final assessment forms, collected records, photographs, consultation notes, finalized plant scorecards - System-Level Review and Draft Status Report on STPs
Within 8 weeks of commencement
Status of the assessed STPs, including the town-level findings of the system-level review, with first
recommendations for improvement - Inputs to Final Consolidated Joint Report
Within 12 weeks of commencement
Technical annexes, data tables, supporting documentation and field observations
The final schedule shall be confirmed during inception. All deliverables shall be submitted in editable
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint formats, together with PDF versions. Raw data, calculations,
scoring sheets, photographs and source registers shall be handed over in an organized electronic folder
structure.
Duration, Inputs and Travel
The assignment is expected to require approximately 44 working days over a period of about 4 months
(November 2026 – February 2027), including home-office review, inception consultations, field visits,
analysis, reporting and validation. The final level of effort shall be determined after confirming the
geographical distribution of the 35 STPs and the composition of the expert team.
The consultant is expected to undertake field visits to all selected STPs and travel extensively
throughout Rajasthan. Site visits may be organized in clusters. The work plan shall avoid overly
compressed inspections and shall allow time for record review and interaction with plant operators at
each facility.
Reporting and Coordination
The consultant will report to the designated ADB Project Officer and work closely with the international
consultant (lead for this assignment), LSGD, RUDSICO, the PMU, relevant ULBs, plant owners and
operators, and other stakeholders. The Government of Rajasthan will facilitate access to selected
facilities and available records. The consultant shall coordinate with relevant project management,
construction supervision, capacity-building and community-engagement consultants, where applicable.
The consultant will support field implementation of the assignment, coordinate site visits, maintain
assessment records, and contribute technical inputs to reporting. The consultant shall maintain close
coordination with other experts engaged under the assignment and provide timely updates on progress,
data gaps, and key issues identified during fieldwork.
Quality Assurance and Acceptance
- Consistent application of the approved methodology across all plants.
- Traceability of findings to records, field observations, interviews, photographs or test results.
- Clear separation of evidence, analysis and recommendations.
- Practical and prioritized recommendations linked to responsible institutions and realistic
implementation horizons. - Resolution of inconsistencies among expert inputs by the team leader before submission.
- Submission of complete editable data and tools together with the final report.
Annex 1. Indicative STP Assessment Framework and Minimum Indicators
A concise standardized scorecard shall be prepared for each STP, normally 3–5 pages, covering: plant
profile; process and capacity; actual loading; effluent performance;; reuse; sludge; O&M; safety;
digital systems; key photographs; critical risks; and prioritized recommendations with responsibility
and timing. An indicative framework is provided below, and shall be discussed with ADB upon inception.
Assessment area
Minimum matters to review
A.Profile and utilization
Design/actual flow, utilization, sewer connectivity, flow reliability, technology and age
B.Functionality
Availability and condition of major units and equipment,
C.Treatment performance
Influent/effluent results, compliance status.
D.Energy and resources
Energy consumption, efficiency, solar power and related issues.
E.O&M
Staffing, maintenance practices, safety, and O*M arrangements
F.Reuse
Status of treated wastewater reuse opportunities for improvement.
G.Sludge
Current sludge management and disposal and beneficial use.
H.Environment and safety
Key issues
I.Digital monitoring
Availability of monitoring systems, SCADA, flow meters, online analyzers
J.Institutional sustainability
Ownership, O&M responsibility, contractual arrangements, adequacy of budget
The detailed plant scorecard and data collection template will be finalized during inception and will
normally include plant identification, ownership and operator details, process and performance data,
compliance records, O&M arrangements, reuse and sludge management, monitoring systems, overall rating,
and prioritized actions.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
- Master’s degree in civil, environmental, wastewater or sanitation engineering, or a closely related
discipline. A bachelor’s degree may be accepted with substantial additional relevant experience. - At least 8 years of professional experience in wastewater and sanitation, including hands-on
experience in STP design, commissioning, performance evaluation, rehabilitation, troubleshooting or O&M.
Experience conducting site inspections, technical due diligence, audits, or infrastructure assessments;
including assessment of STPs using performance indicators. - Experience in O&M of STPs including O&M institutional and contractual aspects, staffing, monitoring
and compliance requirements. - Familiarity with wastewater treatment technologies, fecal sludge management, treated wastewater reuse
practices.
Draft Terms of Reference | Rapid Assessment of STPs in Rajasthan - Familiarity with sewerage systems and pumping, and with factors such as connectivity, flow balance,
and infiltration or inflow that affect STP performance. Experience with city-wide inclusive sanitation
(CWIS) approaches would be an advantage. - Strong analytical, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and technical report-writing skills,
including quality-control - Ability to communicate effectively in English and Hindi.
- Willingness and ability to undertake extensive field travel throughout Rajasthan.
Minimum General Experience
8
Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment)
8
Years
