10 Years of AMRUT

GS 2 – Schemes

Context

AMRUT marks a decade since its launch in June 2015, having significantly influenced India’s urban development agenda.

Phase 1 Overview:

• Covered 500 cities, touching around 60% of the urban population.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) were approved annually for funding.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) implemented projects under State and MoHUA oversight.

Core Objectives:

• Universal water and sewerage access.
• Enhanced urban green spaces.
• Pollution reduction through non-motorised and public transport.

Key Components:

• Water & Sewerage: Pipeline networks, water meters, treatment systems.
• Stormwater Drainage: Infrastructure to prevent urban flooding.
• Non-Motorised Transit: Cycle tracks, walkways.
• Green Zones: Parks and open public spaces.
• Institutional Reforms: Capacity building (CCBP) and real-time systems via SCADA.

AMRUT 2.0 (2021–2026):

• Extended to 4,900 statutory towns, covering ~10.5 crore people.
• Introduction of City Water Balance Plans (CWBP) for water reuse, waterbody rejuvenation, and groundwater recharge.

Objectives:

• Achieve universal water supply and sewerage coverage.
• Promote water circularity and climate-resilient cities.
• Integrate digital governance tools.

New Features:

• Pey Jal Survekshan: Ranks cities on water usage and equity.
• Tech Sub-Mission: Encourages SCADA, smart meters, and innovation.
• Jal Hi AMRIT: Promotes wastewater reuse through efficient STP operations.
• Reforms: Emphasis on digitised permits, non-revenue water reduction, and municipal accounting.
• Digital Tools: Dashboards, GIS mapping, and real-time monitoring.

Achievements:

• Water Access: 2.03 crore household tap connections.
• Sewer Access: 1.5 crore households connected.
• Infrastructure:
  • 10,647 MLD Water Treatment Plant capacity sanctioned.
  • 6,739 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant capacity approved.
  • 3,576 water bodies rejuvenated (~1.19 lakh acres).
• Efficiency Gains:
  • 99 lakh LED streetlights installed (saving 666 crore kWh).
  • CO₂ emissions cut by 46 lakh tonnes.
  • ₹4,984 crore raised via municipal bonds.
  • ~120 start-ups supported in 80 cities.