AMRUT – Transforming Urban India with Sustainable Infrastructure

India’s rapid urbanization has created unprecedented demand for robust urban infrastructure. To address this, the Government of India launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in June’ 2015, a mission named after the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. AMRUT represents a transformative approach aimed at creating efficient, sustainable, and citizen-friendly cities, enabling improved living standards and sustainable growth in urban areas. This blog delves into AMRUT’s objectives, components, and the impact it has had on India’s urban landscape.

Table of Contents

• Need for Urban Rejuvenation
• Core Objectives of AMRUT
• Key Components and Framework of AMRUT
• Funding Mechanism and Allocation
• Future of AMRUT: AMRUT 2.0
• Impact of AMRUT on Urban India
• Recent Most Update on AMRUT

The Need for Urban Rejuvenation

Urban India faces immense challenges with respect to basic amenities such as clean drinking water, adequate sewage systems, sustainable transport, and green spaces. With an increasing urban population, these issues have become more pronounced. The previous urban development mission, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), laid the foundation but did not fully meet India’s growing demands. Recognizing the need for a revamped mission that focuses on improving service delivery and urban infrastructure, the government introduced AMRUT.

The vision of AMRUT is simple yet profound: to create robust, sustainable urban infrastructure that supports clean and green urban living environments.

Core Objectives of AMRUT

AMRUT aims to address five core urban issues:

1. Water Supply: Ensure every household has access to a clean and consistent water supply.
2. Sewerage and Septage Management: Improve waste management through advanced sewage and septage treatment systems.
3. Stormwater Drainage: Develop drainage systems to prevent urban flooding and waterlogging.
4. Green Spaces and Parks: Create accessible green spaces and parks, promoting healthy lifestyles.
5. Urban Transport: Establish sustainable urban transport systems, reducing vehicular congestion and pollution.

AMRUT’s objectives underscore a commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban growth with a citizen-centered approach.

Key Components and Framework of AMRUT

AMRUT’s operational model is structured around distinct components that streamline its implementation. Here’s a breakdown:

a) Service-Level Benchmarking (SLB)
– SLBs set specific performance targets for urban services, enabling continuous improvement and accountability.
– Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) work towards meeting SLBs, allowing them to enhance their efficiency and service quality over time.

b) Urban Infrastructure Development
– Focus on building robust infrastructure for water supply, sanitation, waste management, and drainage.
– AMRUT mandates the use of advanced and eco-friendly technologies, particularly in water treatment and sewage management.

c) Urban Rejuvenation through Green Spaces
– Establishing and maintaining parks, open spaces, and green belts to provide urban residents with accessible recreational areas.
– Focus on incorporating green spaces in high-density urban zones, balancing concrete development with natural elements.

d) Capacity Building and Institutional Reforms
– AMRUT includes training programs to improve the capabilities of Urban Local Bodies and State Government departments in delivering urban infrastructure services.
– Reforms include increased transparency, better governance practices, and policies fostering public participation in urban planning.

e) Financial Sustainability
– AMRUT emphasizes fiscal responsibility through mechanisms that help ULBs maintain sustainable financial practices.
– ULBs are encouraged to generate revenues through taxes, user charges, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), ensuring long-term financial stability.

Funding Mechanism and Allocation

AMRUT’s funding is a shared responsibility between the central and state governments. Typically, the central government bears 50% of the project costs, with 33% for cities with populations over one million, while the rest is covered by states and ULBs. Additionally, AMRUT has set up a reform incentive fund to encourage cities to adopt urban reforms aimed at improving service delivery and governance.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) have also been introduced as a significant funding model. This approach enables efficient fund utilization, incentivizes private sector participation, and helps in risk-sharing.

Project Implementation Phases

AMRUT’s implementation is divided into the following key phases:

a) Project Development and DPR (Detailed Project Report) Preparation
– Cities create and submit DPRs detailing how they plan to achieve AMRUT’s core objectives.
– DPRs undergo thorough reviews by state and central authorities to ensure feasibility and alignment with AMRUT’s goals.

b) Project Approval and Fund Disbursement
– Approved projects receive funding in installments based on milestones. This ensures accountability and timely completion.

c) Project Execution
– Each project’s progress is monitored, with periodic assessments ensuring that ULBs are meeting service-level benchmarks.

d) Completion and Sustainability Measures
– Completed projects include operational guidelines to ensure sustainability.
– ULBs and states are responsible for maintaining the infrastructure and making necessary upgrades in the future.

Challenges and Limitations

While AMRUT has made notable progress, it faces several challenges:

1. Funding Gaps: Despite its financial planning, some ULBs struggle to meet the matching funds required for AMRUT projects.
2. Capacity Constraints: Many ULBs lack the technical expertise to implement and sustain large-scale projects.
3. Citizen Participation: While AMRUT encourages community involvement, it has been limited in some cities, impacting project outcomes.
4. Monitoring and Accountability: Delays in projects and lack of rigorous monitoring mechanisms sometimes affect the mission’s momentum.

Addressing these challenges will be crucial for AMRUT’s sustained success.

Future of AMRUT: AMRUT 2.0

On October 1, 2021, the government launched AMRUT 2.0 to build upon AMRUT’s successes and address gaps. With a renewed focus on 100% coverage of water supply and sanitation, AMRUT 2.0 aims to:

1. Establish sustainable wastewater management systems in all cities.
2. Promote digital innovations, including the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping for efficient water management.
3. Improve waste-to-wealth models, focusing on efficient resource recycling.
4. Involve the private sector more intensively to bridge skill and resource gaps.

AMRUT 2.0 is not just a continuation but a comprehensive enhancement of the original AMRUT scheme. By focusing on water sustainability, digitalization, capacity building, and citizen engagement, it aims to address India’s growing urban challenges in a holistic and innovative manner. Through the implementation of AMRUT 2.0, India is taking a significant step towards creating cleaner, healthier, and more resilient cities that offer a better quality of life for their citizens, paving the way for a sustainable urban future.

Impact of AMRUT on Urban India

AMRUT has had a significant impact on urban India:

1. Increased Accessibility to Basic Services: Thousands of households in India now have access to piped water and improved sanitation facilities, enhancing public health and sanitation.
2. Revitalized Public Spaces: The creation of parks and recreational areas has provided safe, clean spaces for citizens, promoting physical and mental well-being.
3. Environmental Conservation: Through efficient waste management, AMRUT has minimized pollution in urban areas.
4. Enhanced Urban Mobility: Improved transport systems have not only reduced traffic congestion but also decreased air pollution, contributing to a healthier environment.

Recent Most Update on AMRUT

As of October, 2024, over 80% of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under AMRUT 2.0, focused on water infrastructure and reuse, are ready. Out of 6,852 DPRs prepared, 6,643 projects worth ₹1.21 lakh crore have been approved. Contracts for over 57% of projects, valued at ₹79,367 crore, have been awarded.

Launched in October 2021, the scheme aims for universal water supply through functional taps for all households, with 8,202 projects approved. So far, 698 projects worth ₹1,028 crore have been completed. Plans include 1.81 crore tap and 1.26 crore sewer connections, and enhanced capacities for water and sewage treatment plants by 10,617 MLD and 5,791 MLD respectively. New infrastructure will generate 20 crore man-days of employment. The Ministry aims to deliver potable tap water to 500 cities and replicate Singapore’s water quality model. An incentive scheme—Clean Water Credit System—promotes quality recycled water management at treatment plants.

Conclusion: AMRUT’s Role in Building Sustainable Urban Futures

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) embodies India’s commitment to transforming its urban centers into sustainable, citizen-friendly habitats. By focusing on core needs like water, sanitation, green spaces, and mobility, AMRUT has addressed urban challenges while setting a roadmap for sustainable urban development.

While AMRUT has achieved notable successes, the mission also highlights areas for improvement, including fund management, community engagement, and capacity building. The launch of AMRUT 2.0 is an encouraging step towards a holistic approach to urban growth, embracing technology, inclusivity, and sustainability.

As India continues its journey towards urbanization, AMRUT serves as a blueprint for future missions that seek to balance development with sustainability. The mission underscores the importance of sustainable urban ecosystems, which will be essential for India’s development in the decades to come.

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