Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is an urban renewal initiative by Government of India. Launched on June 25, 2015, it aims to improve the quality of life in Indian cities and towns by providing basic services to households and also by building amenities. The AMRUT mission focuses on improvement in water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm water drainage, urban transport, green spaces, and capacity building.
Background:
In recent past, several ambitious urban infrastructure development projects have been undertaken by Government of India. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM), was one such project. Launched in 2005, it aimed at modernizing cities of India and improving the infrastructure and public services. However, due to various reasons it failed to bring about a remarkable change in urban infrastructure and the lives of city dwellers. Several states failed to roll out the reforms under JnNURM and only about 40% of the projects were completed. Biased fund allocation resulted in smaller funds for smaller cities and lion’s share for larger cities. Moreover, the project lacked public participation, and several critical needs of the city dwellers were ignored.
On June 25, 2015, Government of India launched AMRUT to replace JnNURM. The new mission will cover 500 Indian cities, which include all cities with population over 1 lakh, all capital cities, all heritage cities and 13 cites or towns on the stem of rivers and 10 cities from hill areas, islands and other tourist destinations.
Objectives:
This new urban renewal programme is aimed at providing basic services to urban households and build amenities to improve the quality of life for all, specially the poor and the disadvantaged. It focuses on outcomes which are valued by citizens. For example: water supply, sewerage facilities, storm water drains, parking spaces, green spaces etc. It also gives importance on capacity building, which will empower municipal functionaries and facilitate timely completion of projects. AMRUT Mission also aims to improve governance through a set of Reforms. Out of the total budget allocation, 10% would be kept separately and given as incentive to states upon implementation of the reforms.
Mission Components
- Water Supply: Augmentation of existing water supply, water treatment plants etc. Treatment of old water supply systems and plants. Rejuvenation of water bodies and water supply arrangement for difficult areas.
- Sewerage: Decentralised, networked underground sewerage systems. Rehabilitation of old sewerage system and treatment plants. Recycling and reuse of waste water.
- Septage: Cost-effective faecal sludge management. Mechanical and biological cleaning of sewers and septic tanks.
- Storm Water Drainage: Construction and improvement of drains and storm water drains.
- Urban Transport: Ferry vessels, footpaths or walkways, sidewalks, foot over-bridges, multi-level parking, Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS).
- Green space and parks: Development of green space and parks with provisions for child-friendly components.
- Reforms management & support: Support for reform implementation. Independent Reform monitoring agencies.
- Capacity Building: Both individual and institutional capacity building covering mission cities and urban local bodies.
Project cost
The AMRUT is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. A total of Rs. 50,000 crore has been allocated for 5 years (2015-16 to 2019-20).