Celebrating nine years since its inception in 2015, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) continues to reshape urban landscapes across India, focusing on enhancing civic amenities and improving the quality of life for millions.
Launched on 25th June 2015, AMRUT initially targeted 500 cities and towns, aiming to develop crucial infrastructure in sectors such as water supply, sewerage management, stormwater drainage, green spaces, and non-motorized urban transport. The mission’s core objective is to ensure every household has access to basic amenities like water supply and sewerage connections, significantly impacting urban living standards.
Achievements So Far
Since its inception, AMRUT has approved projects totaling ₹82,565 crore, encompassing diverse initiatives across the designated cities. Notably, 5,882 projects have been initiated, out of which 4,802 projects have been completed, with the remaining in various stages of implementation. The completion of these projects has resulted in significant milestones: over 137 lakh water tap connections and 105 lakh sewer connections have been provided, exceeding targeted numbers.
Infrastructure Development
The mission’s focus extends beyond infrastructure to encompass holistic urban development. It has led to the creation of 2,322 parks covering 4,512 acres, with an additional 908 acres in progress through ongoing projects. Furthermore, AMRUT has addressed critical issues like stormwater drainage, eliminating 2,960 water logging points with ongoing efforts in 801 more locations.
AMRUT 2.0: Towards Comprehensive Urban Sustainability
Building upon its initial success, AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1st October 2021, aiming for universal water supply coverage and sewerage management across all statutory towns. With an indicative outlay of ₹2,99,000 crore for five years, AMRUT 2.0 emphasizes a circular economy of water, promoting water conservation, sewage treatment, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Looking ahead, AMRUT continues to evolve with an emphasis on sustainable urban planning and citizen-centric reforms. The mission’s success hinges on effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging advanced technologies through its Technology Sub-Mission for water management.
As AMRUT completes nine years, its impact on urban India remains profound, setting benchmarks in infrastructure development and enhancing the quality of life. With ongoing projects and strategic reforms under AMRUT 2.0, the mission is poised to achieve greater milestones, ensuring sustainable urban growth for generations to come.
