The full form of AMRUT is Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation and was launched in June 2015 by the honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Government of India. AMRUT Yojana is a program that aims to improve the quality of life for all urban residents, with a special focus on the poor and underprivileged.
It is the first National Water Mission with a specific purpose that was launched in 500 cities and covered 60% of the urban population. And this scheme is based on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
However, if required, various other schemes such as Swachh Bharat Mission, Housing for and All 2022, as well as local state schemes, can be linked to AMRUT. Thus, providing basic services to households and creating amenities in cities will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and disadvantaged.
Overview of AMRUT
An overview of the AMRUT Yojana is mentioned in the table below:
| AMRUT Scheme |
| Full-Form |
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation |
| Year of launching |
June 2015 |
| Launched by |
PM Narendra Modi |
| Government Ministry |
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
Purpose of AMRUT
The AMRUT Yojana focuses on setting up an infrastructure to ensure adequate sewage networks and water supply in urban areas through the implementation of urban revitalization projects. Rajasthan was the first state to submit the State Annual Action Plan under the AMRUT scheme.
The government has already approved an investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore on urban development under the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation of 500 cities.
The following are the purposes of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
- It aims to ensure every home has a tap with a reliable water supply and sewage connection.
- Create greenery and well-maintained open spaces (such as parks) to raise the amenity value of cities.
- Using public transportation (such as walking and cycling) or creating facilities for non-motorized transportation. As a result, it reduces pollution.
Above all, citizens, especially women, value all these outcomes, the indicators, and standards have been set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).
Components of AMRUT
The components of AMRUT include capacity building, water supply, stormwater drainage, urban transport, sewerage and septage management, reform implementation, and development of green spaces and parks.
During the process of planning, the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) shall endeavor to incorporate some of the smart features as detailed below in the physical infrastructure components.
Water Supply
- Water supply system that includes water treatment facilities, universal metering, and augmentation of existing water supply.
- Restoration of old water supply systems including treatment facilities.
- Revitalization of water bodies, particularly those used for drinking water supplies, and recharging of groundwater.
- Water supply systems especially for difficult areas such as hilly and coastal cities with water quality problems. For example, arsenic and fluoride.
Sewerage
- Decentralized, networked underground sewerage system, comprising expansion of existing sewerage system and sewage treatment plants.
- Rehabilitating old sewerage systems and treatment plants.
- Recycling and reuse of wastewater for beneficial purposes.
Storm Water Drainage
- Construction and improvement of drains and stormwater drain to decrease and eliminate flooding.
Urban Transport
- Footpaths/walkways, foot over-bridges, footpaths, and facilities for non-motorized transport such as bicycles.
- Multi-level parking.
Green Space/Parks
- Green spaces and parks development with special allowances for children, senior citizens, and differently-abled friendly components.
Who can Apply for AMRUT Yojana?
The aim of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation is to cover around 500 cities with a population of more than one lakh. The cities or towns fall under the following categories to be selected under the AMRUT scheme:
- All cities and towns with a population of one lakh or more, including notified municipalities and civil areas, as per the 2011 census.
- All capital cities or towns of States/UTs which do not come under the above criteria.
- The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs classifies cities or towns as heritage cities under the HRIDAY scheme.
- Thirteen cities and towns on the headwaters of major rivers with a population of more than 75,000 but less than 100,000.
- Ten cities from hill states, islands, and tourism hotspots. Under the AMRUT scheme, only one city can be selected from each of these states.
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