AMRUT 1.0, AMRUT 2.0 SCHEMES
Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal reviewed the works of urban water supply projects, which are under implementation across Assam under the AMRUT 1.0 and AMRUT 2.0 schemes.
Atal Mission For Rejuvenation And Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
AMRUT was launched in June 2015 by the Government of India.
Concerned Ministry: Housing and Urban Affairs
Funding: Divided among Centre and States/UTs.
It is an initiative to provide basic civic amenities to the urban areas to improve the quality of life with major focus to the poor and the disadvantaged.
It is the first focused national water Mission, which was launched in 500 cities and covered 60% of the urban population.
Objectives:
To ensure a proper supply of water and a sewage connection in every household.
To develop green and well maintained open spaces and parks to increase the amenity value of the cities.
To reduce pollution by switching to public transport or through the construction of non-motorized transport facilities such as walking and cycling.
It aims in covering around 500 cities that are having a population of over one lakh with notified municipalities
Major components of the scheme:
Capacity building
Reform implementation
Water supply and management of sewerage and septage
Drainage of stormwater
Improvement in urban transport facilities
Development of green spaces and parks.
AMRUT 2.0:
Launched on 1st October 2021, subsuming AMRUT 1.0 for the period of 5 years i.e. from the financial year (FY) 2021-22 to the FY 2025-26.
Objective:
Universal coverage of water supply from 500 cities to about 4,900 statutory towns in the country
Coverage of sewerage/septage management in 500 cities covered in the first phase of the AMRUT scheme.
Through the development of a City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) by recycling/reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies and water conservation, AMRUT 2.0 aims to promote the circular economy of water.
The mission also has a reform agenda on ease of living of citizens through the reduction of non-revenue water, urban planning, strengthening urban finance etc.
Other components of AMRUT 2.0:
Pey Jal Survekshan to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater, mapping of water bodies and promote healthy competition among the cities /towns.
Technology Sub-Mission for Water to leverage the latest global technologies in the field of water.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign to spread awareness among the masses about the conservation of water
Challenges in the Implementation of the AMRUT Scheme
Persistent Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Issues:
Mortality Rate: Despite the scheme's implementation, around 200,000 people in India die annually due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Disease Burden: In 2016, India's disease burden from unsafe water and sanitation was 40 times higher per person than China’s, with little improvement over time.
Groundwater Depletion: According to a NITI Aayog report, 21 major Indian cities are projected to deplete their groundwater resources by 2030, potentially leaving 40% of the population without access to drinking water.
Urban Infrastructure Gaps: Nearly 31% of urban households in India lack piped water, and 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage system.
State Project Implementation:
Despite regular fund disbursements, states like Bihar and Assam have struggled to complete projects or utilize the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This has resulted in less than 50% project completion in most states.
AMRUT Program Scope:
The scheme adopts a project-focused approach rather than a holistic perspective, limiting its ability to address broader urban challenges effectively.
Potential Overlaps and Convergence Challenges:
Overlaps between AMRUT and other schemes, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, can lead to funding allocation issues and increased workload in addressing urban issues.
Unaddressed Air Pollution:
The National Clean Air Programme was introduced as air quality continued to deteriorate, while AMRUT 2.0 shifted focus solely to water and sewerage, leaving unresolved air quality issues from AMRUT 1.0.
Non-Inclusive Governance Structure:
The scheme’s design lacks organic participation from elected city governments, making it less inclusive for urban populations.
Steps Needed to Revamp the AMRUT Scheme
Diversified Financial Resources:
Local urban bodies should diversify their financial resources to implement projects instead of relying solely on top-down funding. This could include local taxes, bonds, and partnerships with private entities.
Holistic Approach:
Comprehensive Urban Water Management: The scheme should consider factors like climate change, rainfall patterns, and existing infrastructure to address evolving challenges.
Nature-Based Solutions: Incorporating nature-based solutions and a comprehensive methodology with a people-centric approach can empower local bodies and improve project outcomes.
Community Engagement:
Grassroots Participation: Encouraging involvement from community groups, NGOs, and resident associations can enhance the effectiveness of housing schemes by incorporating ideas and feedback from the grassroots level.
Learning from Success Stories:
Case Studies: Analyzing successful case studies, such as the “Water Availability for All” initiative in Dahanu Taluka, can provide valuable insights for addressing similar challenges in housing initiatives.
Knowledge Sharing: Sharing best practices and lessons learned across regions can facilitate improvements in scheme implementation.
Innovation and Research:
Innovation Hubs: Establishing innovation hubs to promote industry-specific research and development related to health and housing can spur innovative solutions and technologies.
Technology Adoption: Embracing new technologies and digital tools can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation.
By addressing the challenges and implementing the recommended steps, the AMRUT scheme can be revitalized to better meet the needs of urban populations and contribute to sustainable urban development in India. Sustainable urban development requires a well-balanced approach that incorporates holistic urban planning, increased civic engagement, local body empowerment, nature-based solutions, climate-responsive techniques, and a strong public health focus.
