The Project will develop and upgrade the existing sanitation system of the city and adjacent peri-urban areas through construction of sewerage treatment plants, sewerage pumping stations and a network of sewer pipelines, and thus provide sewerage services in areas of Imphal not yet covered by sewered sanitation system.

The Project includes Information, Education and Communication activities to increase awareness among the population about the significance of sewerage system as a safe and hygienic way of disposing wastewater, augment readiness to pay monthly tariff for contributing towards sustainable O&M of the sewerage system, and ensure overall improved citizen participation and ownership.

The Project also includes capacity building activities, such as developing a detailed GIS based network map of sewerage system, trainings for sanitation workers and supervisory staff, and strengthening laboratory testing capabilities.

The Project aims to provide integrated sanitation services in Imphal, which will improve quality of life of residents through better hygiene conditions and enhance water quality of Imphal river. The Project will result in enhanced sanitation coverage (100% household access to sanitation system in Imphal) leading to improved health and hygiene of residents; reduced pollution and increased conservation of Imphal river; and enhanced institutional capacity in the State to provide water and sanitation services.

The Project will primarily contribute to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, specifically target 6.2 (achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all). It is also aligned with SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing through its cascading affects.

The Project is estimated to be implemented over 4 years. Government of Manipur will be the Project Entity and will implement the Project through its Public Health Engineering Department. Contractors for the Project will be selected through a competitive and transparent bidding process.

The Project has been classified as Category B in accordance with the NDB Environment and Social Framework.

The main E&S risks arise from excavation of roads in the urban area of the city to lay sewers and the associated traffic disruptions, interruptions of municipal utilities and businesses, occupational and public safety during construction, and odor problems from pumping stations and sewerage treatment plants during operation.

These impacts and risks will be mitigated by implementing the E&S Management Plans and the E&S Impact Management Plan prepared for the Project.