Origin
- The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched by the Prime Minister of India on June 25, 2015.
- The scheme was a flagship program of the NDA-1 government.
Introduction to AMRUT
- Ministry:
- Ministry of Urban Development
- Launched by the Government of India in June 2015, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme aims to provide basic infrastructure services in urban areas, particularly for cities with a population of over one lakh.
- The mission was designed to ensure that every household in urban areas has access to essential services like water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and more, while also promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
- Named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, AMRUT is part of India’s broader push toward urban development and modernization.
- The initiative is in line with the government’s mission to improve the quality of life for citizens in cities and towns by ensuring a clean and green environment with adequate public services and infrastructure.
Key Objectives of AMRUT
- Water Supply –
- Ensuring universal coverage of water supply through sustainable sources.
- Sewerage and Sanitation –
- Strengthening the sewerage systems and improving sanitation in urban areas.
- Urban Transport –
- Promoting and improving urban mobility, with a focus on public transport systems.
- Green Spaces and Parks –
- Creating and enhancing public spaces like parks, green areas, and playgrounds.
- Rejuvenation of Cities –
- Rejuvenating and retrofitting existing urban infrastructure to improve livability and accessibility.
Key Components of AMRUT
- Water Supply & Sewerage Systems:
- AMRUT aims to enhance water supply infrastructure and provide 24/7 water supply in urban areas. This includes reducing water loss through leakages, promoting rainwater harvesting, and improving wastewater management by expanding sewerage networks.
- Stormwater Drainage:
- Under AMRUT, cities are being equipped with effective stormwater drainage systems to combat urban flooding. Proper drainage infrastructure ensures proper water runoff, reduces the risk of waterlogging, and maintains sanitation in cities.
- Urban Transport & Mobility:
- AMRUT aims to improve public transport systems such as metro, bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, and non-motorized transport (walking, cycling). Developing sustainable urban mobility solutions helps reduce congestion, improve air quality, and promote the use of green transport systems.
- Green and Open Spaces:
- Green spaces, including parks and playgrounds, are vital for urban well-being and contribute to the reduction of pollution. AMRUT promotes the development of such spaces, ensuring that citizens have access to clean, safe, and enjoyable recreational areas.
- Improved Governance & Implementation:
- The scheme also emphasizes good governance, transparent financial management, and enhanced accountability at the local government level to ensure that projects are implemented efficiently.
Financial Framework and Funding
- The AMRUT scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme, where the funding is shared between the central government, state governments, and urban local bodies (ULBs). The central government contributes 50% of the funding for cities with a population of more than 10 lakh and 60% for smaller cities.
- The financial allocation under the AMRUT scheme is focused on priority areas such as water supply, sanitation, stormwater drainage, urban transport, and green spaces. This funding model aims to create a sustainable financial structure for urban development across the nation.
Implementation and Coverage
- AMRUT is being implemented by various urban local bodies (ULBs) in coordination with state governments. The mission focuses on cities with populations of more than one lakh and all capital cities. As of now, over 500 cities have been covered under the AMRUT scheme, with cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Jaipur seeing substantial infrastructure improvements.
Major Achievements
- Improved Water Supply:
- A significant number of cities have reported an increase in the coverage of piped water supply and a reduction in water leakage, benefiting millions of urban residents.
- Enhanced Sanitation:
- Many cities under AMRUT have developed new sewerage networks and improved sanitation facilities, contributing to better hygiene and healthier living conditions.
- Urban Mobility:
- Public transportation infrastructure has seen considerable improvements, with bus terminals, metro stations, and bicycle tracks being developed in several cities.
- Urban Green Spaces:
- The creation and renovation of parks, gardens, and recreational areas have increased, promoting healthier lifestyles for urban residents.
Challenges Faced
Despite the scheme’s success, AMRUT has faced challenges in terms of timely execution, project financing, and governance at the local level. Some of the challenges include:
- Delays in Project Execution:
- Many projects have experienced delays due to issues such as land acquisition, bureaucratic hurdles, and financial constraints.
- Inadequate Capacity at Local Level:
- Some urban local bodies lacked the technical capacity or administrative expertise to manage and implement large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Integration of Sustainability:
- Incorporating sustainable practices in urban planning and infrastructure has been a challenge, with many cities still struggling with waste management, water conservation, and green spaces.
- Coordination Between Stakeholders:
- Effective coordination between the central, state, and local governments has been crucial for the success of AMRUT, and any lack of coordination can hinder the smooth implementation of projects.
Conclusion
- The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for urban citizens through the enhancement of infrastructure services. By focusing on water supply, sewerage, urban transport, green spaces, and better governance, AMRUT is laying the foundation for more sustainable and inclusive urban development in India.
- While challenges remain in execution, the scheme has made a significant impact on cities across the country, addressing the pressing needs of urbanization and contributing to the creation of smart, sustainable, and resilient urban spaces for future generations.
The success of AMRUT will be determined by continued investment in urban infrastructure, innovative solutions to local challenges, and collaboration across all levels of government to make urban spaces more livable, clean, and green.
