The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, has been making substantial progress in transforming India’s urban landscape.
Aimed at developing self-reliant and water-secure urban centers, the mission prioritizes infrastructure development in key areas, including universal sewerage and septage management for 500 cities, water body rejuvenation, and creating green urban spaces.
With an indicative budget of ₹2,99,000 crore over five years, AMRUT 2.0 is designed to modernize urban infrastructure comprehensively. A significant portion of this outlay, amounting to ₹76,760 crore, comes from central government funding.
To date, 8,998 projects worth ₹1,89,458.55 crore have been approved under the scheme, as per data from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). These include operational and maintenance costs to ensure sustainable implementation.
Under AMRUT 2.0, State Water Action Plans (SWAPs) are pivotal for strategic project implementation. As per mission guidelines, States and Union Territories were expected to finalize their SWAPs within two years of the mission’s launch.
As of November 2024:
₹63,976.77 crore out of the allocated ₹66,750 crore for central assistance has been approved.
However, some States, including Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, have yet to receive 90% approval for their SWAPs.
The AMRUT 2.0 portal (as of November 15, 2024) highlights significant advancements:
Contracts have been awarded for 4,916 projects worth ₹85,114.01 crore.
1,198 projects are currently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, with States directed to accelerate their timelines.
The total cumulative expenditure, including contributions from States, has reached ₹17,089 crore, while ₹23,016.30 crore worth of works have been completed physically.
Central assistance of ₹11,756.13 crore has been released to States and UTs, out of which ₹6,539.45 crore has been utilized.
To ensure smooth implementation, AMRUT 2.0 has established robust oversight structures:
State High Powered Steering Committees (SHPSCs): Chaired by Chief Secretaries, these committees oversee project approvals and implementation.
State Level Technical Committees (SLTCs): Led by Urban Development Department Secretaries, these bodies provide technical guidance.
Independent Review and Monitoring Agencies (IRMAs): These agencies assess project performance, and funds are released based on IRMA compliance reports.
At the national level, an Apex Committee reviews progress periodically. Regular updates are facilitated through webinars, video conferences, site visits, and workshops organized by MoHUA, ensuring timely interventions where needed.
The success of AMRUT 2.0 lies in its ability to cater to infrastructure projects with long gestation periods. With the growing urban population, achieving universal access to water and sanitation services remains a top priority. Rejuvenating water bodies and expanding green spaces are equally critical for urban sustainability.
Despite the impressive progress, delays in SWAP approvals in some regions highlight the need for faster coordination between States and the central government. With MoHUA’s consistent monitoring and proactive measures, AMRUT 2.0 is poised to significantly reshape India’s urban landscape.
AMRUT 2.0 stands as a transformative initiative, redefining urban infrastructure and water security in India. With a focus on sustainable development, the mission has already made significant progress in project approvals, fund allocation, and physical completion of works. Its emphasis on sewerage management, water body rejuvenation, and green urban spaces aligns with India’s broader vision for self-reliant and resilient cities.
While challenges such as delayed State Water Action Plans persist, the proactive measures by MoHUA and robust monitoring mechanisms at both state and national levels ensure the mission remains on track. As AMRUT 2.0 continues to address the pressing needs of urban centers, it promises to pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and water-secure future for millions of Indians.