AMRUT Scheme: Transforming Urban Infrastructure in India

AMRUT Scheme is a flagship program of the Government of India. AMRUT stands for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. The main goal of this mission is to improve the quality of life for people living in cities. 

The scheme focuses on providing basic urban services to all households. These essential services include water supply and sewerage connections. The mission aims to make cities more liveable and sustainable.

AMRUT Scheme Overview

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at upgrading urban infrastructure. It has been implemented in two phases: AMRUT 1.0 (2015-2020) and the ongoing AMRUT 2.0 (2021-2026).

AMRUT Scheme Launch Date and Ministry

The original AMRUT Mission was first launched in June 2015. The exact date was June 25, 2015.

AMRUT Scheme Under Which Ministry

The mission was started by the government under the former Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD). Later, this ministry was renamed. Currently, the AMRUT Scheme is managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Objectives of the AMRUT Mission

The core purpose of the mission is to create robust urban infrastructure. It focuses on five main areas known as the Thrust Areas.

1. Water Supply: Ensuring every household has a tap with a dependable water supply. This includes building and upgrading water treatment plants.

2. Sewerage and Septage Management: Providing a proper sewerage system for all homes. It includes the construction of sewage treatment plants.

3. Storm Water Drainage: Building better drains to reduce flooding during heavy rains.

4. Green Spaces and Parks: Developing and maintaining greenery and open areas in cities. Special attention is given to spaces for children and the elderly.

5. Non-Motorised Urban Transport: Promoting public transport and building facilities for walking and cycling. This helps in reducing pollution.

AMRUT 2.0 Scheme

The first phase of the AMRUT mission was a great success. Building on this foundation, the government launched an expanded and more advanced version.

AMRUT 2.0 Scheme Details

• Launch Date: AMRUT 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021.

• Duration: The mission will run for five years. It is scheduled to be implemented from the financial year 2021-2022 to the financial year 2025-2026.

The main aim of the AMRUT 2.0 scheme is to make Indian cities "water secure" and "self-reliant" (Aatma Nirbhar).

Key Focus of AMRUT 2.0

• Universal Coverage: The mission aims to provide complete water supply coverage to all urban households in all statutory towns, which is about 4,800 towns.

• Sewerage Management: It aims for universal coverage of sewerage and septage services in the 500 cities that were covered in the first phase.

• Circular Economy of Water: A major focus is on recycling and reusing treated wastewater. This helps to conserve and augment water sources.

• Rejuvenation of Water Bodies: The scheme also focuses on reviving water bodies like lakes and ponds.

• Technology: It uses new technologies for better water management through a dedicated Technology Sub-Mission.