Context
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has completed 10 years since its launch on June 25, 2015, marking a significant milestone in India’s urban development journey.
10 Years of AMRUT: A Decade of Urban Transformation in India
Introduction
Launched by the Government of India on June 25, 2015, AMRUT is a flagship Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at improving urban infrastructure and ensuring a better quality of life in selected cities and towns across the country. It focuses on providing basic civic amenities such as water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces, with a special emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability.
Objectives of AMRUT
- Universal Access to Water and Sewerage: Ensure every household in urban areas has access to functional tap water connections and sewerage facilities.
- Enhancement of Urban Livability: Increase the amenity value of cities by developing parks, green spaces, and promoting non-motorized transport.
- Pollution Reduction: Promote sustainable urban transport and better waste management to reduce pollution.
- Inclusive Urban Development: Prioritize the needs of the urban poor and disadvantaged sections by providing essential services.
Key Features and Focus Areas
- Water Supply: Augmentation, rehabilitation, and universal coverage of water supply through functional taps.
- Sewerage and Septage Management: Provision of sewer connections and faecal sludge management to improve sanitation.
- Stormwater Drainage: Development of infrastructure to manage urban flooding and waterlogging.
- Green Spaces and Parks: Allocation of up to 2.5% of project costs for parks with amenities for children and elderly, enhancing urban environment.
- Non-Motorized Urban Transport: Promotion of walking and cycling infrastructure to reduce vehicular pollution and congestion.
Financial Outlay and Implementation
- Investment: ₹77,640 crore worth of State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) approved with ₹35,990 crore as committed Central Assistance.
- Projects: Over 5,800 projects worth ₹82,222 crore initiated; more than 4,600 projects completed.
- Coverage: Initially covered 500 cities and towns, now expanded to include all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under AMRUT 2.0.
- Achievements: 134 lakh water tap connections and 102 lakh sewer connections provided, nearing the targeted universal coverage.
AMRUT 2.0: The Next Phase
Launched on October 1, 2021, AMRUT 2.0 is a five-year mission (2021-22 to 2025-26) aiming to:
- Achieve universal functional tap water coverage in all statutory towns.
- Promote a circular economy of water through City Water Balance Plans focusing on recycling treated sewage, water conservation, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
- Strengthen urban reforms including reduction of non-revenue water, urban planning, and urban finance management.
- Total indicative outlay of ₹2,99,000 crore including ₹76,760 crore as Central share for five years.
Challenges Faced
- Project Delays: Due to land acquisition issues, bureaucratic hurdles, and financial constraints.
- Capacity Constraints: Limited technical and administrative capacity at local urban bodies.
- Sustainability Integration: Difficulty in incorporating sustainable urban practices consistently.
- Coordination Issues: Need for better synergy between Central, State, and local governments for smooth implementation.
Impact and Significance
- AMRUT has redefined urban infrastructure development by focusing on basic services that directly improve citizens’ quality of life.
- It has laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive urban growth, addressing critical issues like water security, sanitation, and urban greenery.
- The scheme complements other urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, contributing to the vision of resilient and livable cities.
- The recent Budget 2025 allocation of ₹1 lakh crore for urban development, including AMRUT projects, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming urban India into growth hubs.
Conclusion
AMRUT’s decade-long journey reflects a transformative approach to urban governance and infrastructure development in India. By focusing on universal access to water and sanitation, enhancing green spaces, and promoting sustainable urban transport, AMRUT has significantly contributed to improving the urban quality of life. The ongoing AMRUT 2.0 phase aims to build on this legacy by embracing water circularity and urban reforms, ensuring that India’s cities become more livable, inclusive, and resilient in the years to come.
Source: PIB
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Critically evaluate the performance of the AMRUT scheme over the past decade. How far has it contributed to sustainable and inclusive urban development in India?
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