ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 26th June. Click Here for more information.
Source-This post on AMRUT Scheme has been created based on the article “An overview of the AMRUT scheme” published in “The Hindu” on 30 May 2024.
Why in News?
It has been reported that India continues to urbanize at a rapid pace, with projections indicating that over 50% of the population will reside in cities by 2047. Schemes like AMRUT has been working to make this urbanization more sustainable.
About the AMRUT Scheme
1. AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) is a flagship programme launched in June 2015.
2. The primary goals of the AMRUT scheme are:
a) To provide every household with a tap and a reliable supply of water, as well as sewerage connections.
b) To enhance urban living through the development of green spaces, like parks.
c) To reduce pollution by promoting the use of public transport and facilities for non-motorized transport.
About AMRUT 2.0
1. It was launched in 2021 for the duration of 2021-2022 to 2025-2026
2. Objective: Its objective is to ensure universal water supply via functional tap connections and improve sewerage/septage management in over 500 cities.
3. Key Features of AMRUT 2.0
a) Universal Coverage: It aims to provide functional tap connections to all households in statutory towns.
b) Circular Economy of Water: It encourages recycling and reuse of treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies, and water conservation through the development of City Water Balance Plans (CWBP) for each city.
4. Mission Components
a) Pey Jal Survekshan : Assesses equitable water distribution, wastewater reuse, and water body mapping to foster competition among cities.
b) Technology Sub-Mission: Integrates global water technologies.
c) IEC Campaign: Promotes water conservation awareness.
e) Ease of Living Improvements includes reducing non-revenue water, recycling treated water, and enhancing urban planning and finance systems.
Performance of the AMRUT Scheme
Achievements include 58,66,237 tap connections and 37,49,467 sewerage connections. 2,411 parks have been developed and 62,78,571 streetlights were replaced with LED lights under the scheme.
Challenges of the AMRUT Scheme
1. Infrastructure Shortfalls: Many urban households still lack piped water and proper sewerage, with water supply at 69.25 liters per person per day, below the necessary 135 liters.
2. Water Management: Issues include overuse and depletion of groundwater, exagerated by poor sewage treatment and climate variability.
3. Project Execution: Implementation often suffers from lack of comprehensive strategies and limited local government involvement.
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programme
