To facilitate better sanitation levels across Telangana, the Municipal Administration and Urban Development department is planning to set up underground drainage (UGD) system and sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 12 ULBs, which include Dharmapuri, Manthani, Kothapalli, Sultanabad,Chennur, Kyathanpally, Luxettipet, Mancheryal, Naspur, Khanapur, Nirmal and Makthal. To this end, the department will invite consultants and firms to prepare detailed project reports. The task to finalise the best consultants and project reports has been entrusted to Environment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI). As part of this project, the consultants will study and analyse the issues in implementation and operations and maintenance (O&M) of existing sewerage facilities under implementation in the 12 ULBs. They will have to study the existing system in the ULBs and review the various engineering and environmental problems being faced by respective bodies. They will also identify major waste water producers and pollution sources, wastewater sampling and analysis and sewage treatment required in the ULBs, the official said. The consultants will also have to carry out Preliminary Project Surveys and present Techno Economic Appraisal of various options. Since all these aspects involve technical studies, the task of finalising the consultants and preparing DPRs has been entrusted to EPTRI. Once the ULB finalises the suitable methodology, the consultants will carry out topographical and contour surveys, ground level data and other required surveys for preparation of the DPRs on sewage collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal. A majority of India’s urban local bodies (ULBs) lack proper drainage systems and STPs. This is not only affecting the sanitation in the ULBs, but it also facilitates spread of communicable diseases, especially during monsoon.