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The AMRUT Scheme is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to improve urban living conditions. Launched in 2015, it focuses on providing basic amenities like water supply, sewage management, and green spaces in cities. With the introduction of AMRUT 2.0, the scheme has expanded its goals to create smarter, more sustainable cities.

What is the AMRUT Scheme?

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on June 25, 2015, targeting 500 cities and towns across India. The mission aims to improve basic infrastructure in these areas, focusing on water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm water drainage, green spaces and parks, and non-motorized urban transport. To support sustainable urban development, the mission also includes a range of urban reforms and capacity-building initiatives.

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a government program designed to enhance infrastructure in Indian cities. It aims to ensure every urban household has access to:

• Reliable water supply
• Proper sewage systems
• Efficient public transport
• Green spaces like parks

AMRUT Scheme Full Form and Launch Date

The scheme is named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, honoring his contributions to urban development.

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AMRUT Scheme Objectives

The primary goals of the AMRUT Scheme include:

1. Providing tap water connections to all urban households.
2. Ensuring 100% sewage management in cities.
3. Developing parks and green spaces to improve air quality.
4. Reducing pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorized transport (e.g., cycling).
5. Encouraging smart governance through digital solutions.

By focusing on these areas, the scheme aims to make cities more livable and sustainable.

AMRUT Scheme Details

The AMRUT Scheme follows a structured approach:

1. Selection of Cities

• Covers 500+ cities with a population of over 1 lakh.
• Priority given to heritage cities and tourist destinations.

2. Key Focus Areas

• Water Supply: Installing pipelines and ensuring 24/7 water access.
• Sewage & Septage Management: Building treatment plants to prevent water pollution.
• Urban Transport: Developing footpaths, cycling tracks, and bus services.
• Green Spaces: Creating and maintaining parks and playgrounds.

3. Funding & Implementation

• The Central Government provides 50% of funds for cities with over 10 lakh population.
• Smaller cities receive higher funding support (up to 90%).
• State governments and urban local bodies implement projects.

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AMRUT 2.0 Explained

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021, for a five-year period from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to ensure universal water supply coverage through functional taps in all statutory towns across the country and improve sewerage and septage management in the 500 cities covered during the first phase of AMRUT.

AMRUT 2.0 focuses on promoting a circular economy of water by developing a City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) for each city. This plan emphasizes recycling and reusing treated sewage, revitalizing water bodies, and conserving water. It guides cities in identifying projects that support functional tap connections, conserving water sources, rejuvenating water bodies and wells, reusing treated wastewater, and harvesting rainwater. The mission envisions making cities “water secure” by adopting a circular water economy.

Additionally, AMRUT 2.0 includes reforms to enhance citizens’ ease of living by reducing non-revenue water, recycling treated wastewater, reviving water bodies, improving urban planning, strengthening urban finance, and implementing double-entry accounting systems.

• Universal water supply coverage (including rural-urban fringe areas).
• Reusing treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial use.
• Digital governance for better monitoring of projects.
• Climate-resilient infrastructure to combat extreme weather.

AMRUT 2.0 aims to make cities water-secure and pollution-free by 2026.

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AMRUT 2.0 Components

AMRUT 2.0 also includes several key components to enhance water management and promote sustainability:

• Pey Jal Survekshan: This initiative aims to assess the equitable distribution of water, track wastewater reuse, and map water bodies while encouraging healthy competition among cities and towns.
• Technology Sub-Mission for Water: This component focuses on leveraging cutting-edge global technologies to improve water management and efficiency.
• Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign: The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about water conservation and promote responsible water usage.

AMRUT Scheme Ministry

The answer to question AMRUT comes under which ministry is Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The ministry works with:

• State governments
• Municipal corporations
• Private sector partners

This ensures smooth implementation and accountability.

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AMRUT Scheme Success Stories

• Over 1 crore households received tap water connections.
• 1,800+ sewage projects approved.
• 5,000+ parks developed across cities.

AMRUT Scheme Challenges

• Delays in project completion due to land disputes.
• Need for better maintenance of water and sewage systems.
• Increasing public awareness about water conservation.

The AMRUT Scheme has significantly improved urban infrastructure in India. With AMRUT 2.0, the focus is now on sustainability, digital governance, and climate resilience. Managed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, this initiative is a key step toward making Indian cities more livable and eco-friendly.

As the scheme progresses, citizen participation and efficient governance will be crucial for its long-term success.

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