Launched on October 1, 2021, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 towards building a new India for a self-sufficient makeover of the towns and better security of water to be achieved with comprehensive urban renewal; it covers, among other infrastructure gaps, improvement in sewerage revival of water bodies, green space, and park development for all. We discuss the progress and main themes of AMRUT 2.0, funding and status of a variety of projects undertaken in this transformative mission.
AMRUT 2.0 Objectives
AMRUT 2.0 follows its predecessor – sustainable urban development and water management. The chief objectives of this mission are-
- Water Security : Access to drinking water by implementing new infrastructure in addition to the enhancement of existing systems.
- Universal Coverage of Sewerage and Septage Treatment for 500 Cities under AMRUT 2.0
- Water Body Revitalization: Revitalization and rejuvenation of water bodies for improving the level of the water table and minimizing flood risk.
- Development of Green Spaces: High-quality life and a sustainable environment by developing parks and green spaces.
- Technological Interventions: Use of advanced technology in better water management through efficient urban governance.
Total indicative outlay of AMRUT 2.0 is ₹2,99,000 crore for which over a period of five years central assistance worth ₹76,760 crore will be made available. The said amount was sanctioned to enhance the infrastructure of the city to be more self-sustaining and resilient in tackling problems such as scarcity of water and pollution.
Financing and Financial Performance
AMRUT 2.0 has been adequately funded as ₹66,750 crore sanctioned for projects under this scheme have been sanctioned under this scheme, and by November 2024, out of this ₹63,976.77 crore sanctioned have been approved to the states/UTs with ₹11,756.13 crore being released, states/UTs reported to have used the central share to the extent of ₹6,539.45 crores of cumulative expenditure on account of central share with a satisfactory level of achievement towards physical completion.
Total expenditure reported by states and UTs is ₹17,089 crore.
Physical completion of works worth ₹23,016.30 crore has already been achieved.
AMRUT 2.0 Project Implementation
AMRUT 2.0 will have large and small infrastructure works. Most projects are of long gestation periods; many of the projects include sewage and water supply networks, creation of parks, and green belts. The latest data available on the AMRUT portal as of November 15, 2024, is indicated below:
Tenders Released: Tenders released for 5,886 projects with outlay of ₹1,15,872.91 crore.
Approved Contracts: Approved contracts for 4,916 projects of ₹85,114.01 crore.
Projects Under Implementation: All other projects under implementation at different levels are not to lessen the pace of urbanization in India.
Governance and Audit
A comprehensive framework of governance and audit has been implemented to support the smooth functioning of AMRUT 2.0. Major entities associated with this include the following
- State High Powered Steering Committees: These committees comprise of state head and report back about the state.
- State Level Technical Committees: These SLTCs are presided by Secretary of Urban Development and Housing Department which aids technical assistance to SHPSC.
- Apex Committee: This committee helps the overall review about the progress and also the strategic guidance toward implementation.
The IRMAs under the AMRUT are given the task of checking and rating the quality of the work and output. It tracks fund releases with reference to the intended standards. The MoHUA is playing an important role due to its timely review, conducting site visits, and holding workshops for quick completion of projects.
Monitoring Progress With Technology
AMRUT 2.0 is being monitored and tracked with the assistance of modern technology. A specific online portal has been designed and developed for AMRUT 2.0 so that the states and UTs can upload their progress reports, and stakeholders can follow it in real-time. The portal maintains transparency and through this portal, the central government, state governments, and the citizens monitor the progress of projects and bottlenecks, if any.
Conclusion
The AMRUT 2.0 will take India’s cities to a state of self-reliant, water-secure, and sustainable future. The program, with funds and an ideal roadmap for it, will deal with some of the biggest city challenges, water scarcity, pollution, and scarcity of green belts. As this goes forward, millions of urban Indian citizens will receive better quality living.
Source:
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