Under the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, the Central Government recently allotted Rs 66,750 crore to assist cities in becoming "water secure." The States and Union Territories have already been granted ₹63,976.77 crore of this, and ₹11,756.13 crore has been made available. But what is AMRUT 2.0?

India is urbanizing rapidly. With cities becoming the engines of economic growth and the hubs of innovation, there is a growing need to transform urban infrastructure to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Recognizing this need, the Government of India launched the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in 2015, focusing on urban development and citizen-centric services. Taking this mission a step further, AMRUT 2.0 was introduced in October 2021, marking a significant leap in India’s urban transformation journey.

The Vision of AMRUT 2.0

AMRUT 2.0 aims to create cities that are clean, green, and citizen-friendly. The mission emphasizes enhancing urban infrastructure through robust water supply systems, improved sewage networks, and climate-resilient urban spaces. The overarching goal is to provide universal coverage of essential services while adopting sustainable development practices.

The program also aligns with India’s commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Key Objectives of AMRUT 2.0

1. Universal Water Supply Coverage: AMRUT 2.0 seeks to ensure universal access to safe drinking water for all urban households. This includes implementing 24x7 water supply systems, reducing water wastage, and ensuring equitable distribution. It supports Pey Jal Survekshan to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater, mapping of water bodies and promote healthy competition among the cities /towns.

2. Sewerage and Septage Management: The mission prioritizes the development of robust sewage systems and the treatment of wastewater to prevent pollution of water bodies and ensure sustainable water management.

3. Climate Resilience and Green Infrastructure: AMRUT 2.0 integrates climate-resilient urban planning by promoting green spaces, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient infrastructure.

4. Smart Cities Synergy: By complementing the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT 2.0 emphasizes data-driven decision-making and the use of digital tools for better governance and urban management.

5. Urban Reforms: To strengthen urban local bodies (ULBs), the mission promotes financial self-reliance through reforms in property tax collection, user charges for services, and improved governance.

Funding and Implementation

The government has allocated ₹2.87 lakh crore for AMRUT 2.0, with a significant portion directed toward water and sanitation projects. State governments and urban local bodies are key stakeholders, ensuring that the mission’s objectives are tailored to local needs.

The program emphasizes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to attract private investment and enhance project efficiency. Moreover, it incentivizes cities that achieve milestones in reforms and project completion.

The projects taken-up under AMRUT are large infrastructure projects with long gestation periods. According to information provided by States and Union Territories on the AMRUT 2.0 portal (as of November 15, 2024), 5886 projects totaling ₹1,15,872.91 crore were the subject of tenders; 4,916 projects totaling ₹85,114.01 crore were granted contracts. The remaining projects are in different phases of execution.

As part of the second phase of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0) initiative, sixty-one water supply projects are scheduled to be implemented throughout the State's local bodies. The entire cost of the projects' implementation is ₹470.78 crore.

Cumulatively, with the state’s share, the total expenditure reported by the states/UTs is Rs 17,089 crore and works worth Rs 23,016.30 crore have been physically completed, the minister said.

In August, the State Level High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) of AMRUT 2.0 approved 72 water supply projects under the State Water Action Plan 3 at a total cost of ₹583.17 crore, with ₹249 crore from the Central Government, ₹209.97 crore from the State, and ₹124.20 crore from local bodies. Eleven of these projects, however, were temporarily put on hold because of a number of problems, including pending land NOCs. The remaining 61 projects have now received administrative approval from the government.

Expected Impact of AMRUT 2.0

• Improved Quality of Life: With universal water supply and better sanitation, urban residents can enjoy a healthier and more dignified living environment.
• Environmental Sustainability: By promoting green infrastructure, wastewater recycling, and efficient water usage, the mission contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable urban ecosystem.
• Economic Growth: Enhanced urban infrastructure attracts investments, fosters economic activities, and generates employment opportunities, further fueling India’s urban growth.
• Empowered Local Governance: Financial and administrative reforms empower urban local bodies, enabling them to take ownership of urban development and sustain long-term progress.
• Resilience Against Climate Change: Climate-adaptive measures like rainwater harvesting and urban forestry make cities more resilient to extreme weather events and reduce their carbon footprint.
• Higher Degree of Urbanization: Provides better infrastructure to the cities, thereby increasing the level of urbanization.
• Improved Health Status for the Public at Large: Access to clean water and proper sanitation has substantial health benefits.
• Social Equity: Ensures access to basic urban services for all citizens, including marginalized communities.
• Technological Integration: Smart technologies are adopted for improved urban management and citizen services.

Challenges Ahead

While AMRUT 2.0 is a visionary program, its implementation faces challenges:

• Funding Gaps: Mobilizing adequate funds from state governments and private investors remains a hurdle.
• Capacity Constraints: Many urban local bodies lack the technical expertise and workforce to implement complex infrastructure projects.
• Coordination Issues: Effective collaboration between multiple stakeholders—central government, state governments, ULBs, and private players—is critical for success.
• Sustainability Concerns: Ensuring that projects are not only completed but also maintained over the long term requires robust planning and monitoring mechanisms.

The Way Forward

To overcome these challenges, the following measures can be adopted:

• Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging private investment through incentives and transparent bidding processes can bridge funding gaps.
• Capacity Building Programs: Comprehensive training and upskilling initiatives for municipal staff can enhance project execution and governance.
• Citizen Participation: Engaging citizens in urban planning ensures that projects address real needs and build community ownership.
• Technology Integration: Leveraging digital tools like GIS mapping, IoT-enabled water systems, and real-time monitoring can enhance efficiency and accountability.

Conclusion

AMRUT 2.0 represents a bold step toward transforming urban India into a network of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive cities. By addressing critical issues like water scarcity, sanitation, and climate resilience, the mission not only improves the quality of urban life but also sets the stage for India’s long-term economic and environmental goals.

As India strides forward, the success of AMRUT 2.0 will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s urban future, making cities not just places to live but places to thrive.

References

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2079792

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/sixty-one-water-supply-projects-to-be-implemented-under-amrut-20/article68905580.ece

https://www.sarkaritel.com/amrut-2-0-scheme-allocates-rs-66750-crore-to-help-cities-become-water-secure/