AMRUT 2.0

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 aims to enhance urban infrastructure in India, focusing on water supply, sewage treatment, and the rejuvenation of water bodies and parks. The initiative is part of the government's 100-day agenda during its third term and has a projected budget of ₹5,000 crore.

Key Objectives

• Water Supply Coverage:
• Achieve 100% water supply coverage to all households in approximately 4,700 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by providing 2.68 crore tap connections.
• Sewage and Septage Management:
• Attain 100% sewage and septage coverage in 500 AMRUT cities, providing 2.64 crore sewer connections.
• Water Body Rejuvenation:
• Focus on the rejuvenation of water bodies and urban aquifer management to enhance freshwater supply and reduce reliance on groundwater.
• Wastewater Management:
• Recycle and reuse treated wastewater to meet 20% of urban water needs and 40% of industrial demand.
• Pollution Prevention:
• Protect freshwater bodies from pollution to ensure sustainable natural resource management.

Coverage and Reach

• Extends from 500 cities in the initial phase to 4,800 cities and towns.
• Will provide tap connections to 26.8 million urban households, benefiting over 10.5 crore people in urban areas.

Features of AMRUT 2.0

• Comprehensive Urban Coverage:
• The mission now encompasses all 4,372 cities in India, covering 100% of urban areas.
• Circular Economy Promotion:
• Encourages the creation of a City Water Balance Plan for each city to promote recycling and reuse of treated sewage, along with water conservation efforts.
• Digital and Global Technological Integration:
• The initiative aims to be paperless, embracing digital solutions.
• Pey Jal Survekshan:
• Conducts assessments of water distribution, wastewater reuse, and water body mapping to promote competition among cities.
• Support for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat:
• Encourages startups and entrepreneurs, fostering a gig economy and involving youth and women in urban development.
• Urban Water Information System:
• Development through the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to aid in aquifer management.
• Capacity Building Programs:
• Targeted training for all stakeholders, including contractors, plumbers, plant operators, and students.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
• Cities with populations over one million are required to undertake PPP projects worth at least 10% of their total project funds, potentially utilizing various funding models.

Reform Agenda under AMRUT 2.0

The AMRUT 2.0 initiative includes a robust reform agenda aimed at improving urban infrastructure, particularly in water supply and sewage management.

Key Reforms

• Property Tax Reforms:
• Mandatory notifications related to property tax based on circle rates, with periodic increases.
• User charges for operation and maintenance costs must also be implemented.
• Incentive-Based Reforms:
• Rejuvenation of water bodies.
• Reduction of non-revenue water to 20%.
• Implementation of rainwater harvesting in all institutional buildings.
• Reuse of 20% of treated wastewater.
• Reuse of wastewater to meet 40% of industrial water demand.
• Development of green spaces and parks.
• Improving credit ratings and access to market finance for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Enhancing land use efficiency through GIS-based master planning and efficient town planning.

Challenges Faced

• Outdated Infrastructure:
• Many cities struggle with old water supply and sewerage systems, making integration of new systems complex and costly. According to NITI Aayog, 31% of urban households lack piped water, and 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage system.
• Technology Adoption:
• Slow adoption of technologies like IoT monitoring systems and GIS tools, particularly in smaller cities where there is limited awareness and technical expertise.
• Lack of Community Participation:
• Governance is often dominated by bureaucrats and large technology firms, with minimal representation from elected city officials. This top-down approach can lead to community disengagement.
• Deteriorating Air Quality:
• While AMRUT 2.0 focuses on water and sewage, air quality issues remain unaddressed. The previous phase (AMRUT 1.0) did not effectively tackle air quality concerns, which continue to worsen in urban areas.
• Delayed Fund Release:
• Delays in fund transfers from the central government to states, and from states to ULBs, disrupt project timelines and can lead to cost overruns.
• Progress Monitoring:
• Many ULBs do not maintain accurate, up-to-date data, hindering effective decision-making and project oversight.
• Environmental Concerns:
• Meeting increased water demand can lead to over-extraction of groundwater and reliance on distant sources, potentially causing environmental degradation.
• Sustainability:
• Developing infrastructure that is resilient to climate change poses a significant challenge. This requires eco-friendly construction practices, efficient waste management, and strategies for adaptation to climate impacts.

Government’s 100-Day Agenda

The government’s 100-Day Agenda outlines key initiatives aimed at improving urban infrastructure and addressing critical issues related to water and sewage management. Here are the primary components:

• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs):
• Commissioning of STPs: The agenda includes the commissioning of sewage treatment plants with a total capacity of 500 million litres per day (MLD), which will benefit approximately 6 lakh households.
• Water Treatment Plants:
• Commissioning of Water Treatment Plants: Approval for 150 MLD of water treatment plants, aimed at serving around 2 lakh households.
• Delhi Master Plan 2041:
• Approval of the Master Plan: The agenda emphasizes the approval of the Delhi Master Plan 2041, which aims to guide the city's development and infrastructure improvements over the coming decades.
• Greenfield Cities:
• Incubation of New Cities: The plan includes the incubation of eight greenfield cities, each receiving ₹1,000 crore in funding, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. This initiative aims to promote sustainable urban development and relieve congestion in existing urban areas.

Conclusion

The 100-Day Agenda focuses on significant investments in sewage and water treatment infrastructure, alongside strategic planning for urban development in Delhi and the creation of new cities. These initiatives are designed to enhance living conditions, improve sanitation, and promote sustainable urban growth.