AMRUT Scheme: Urban Infrastructure Development for 500 Cities

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) aimed at improving urban infrastructure and ensuring basic services for residents of selected cities. Launched in 2015, the mission primarily targets enhancing water supply, improving drainage systems, upgrading green spaces, and promoting non-motorized urban transport to create sustainable urban areas. The mission also focuses on reducing pollution through better waste management and promoting public transport.

Thrust Areas

The AMRUT scheme focuses on the following key areas:

• Water Supply: Ensuring every household has access to tap water with an assured supply.
• Sewerage & Septage Management: Providing sanitation facilities and improving sewage treatment.
• Storm Water Drainage: Reducing flooding by improving drainage systems.
• Non-Motorized Urban Transport: Promoting walking, cycling, and infrastructure for non-motorized transportation.
• Green Spaces & Parks: Developing parks and green spaces to enhance the urban environment.

Coverage

• 500 cities have been selected under AMRUT based on various categories:
  • Cities and towns with a population over one lakh (as per Census 2011).
  • Capital cities/towns of states/UTs not covered above.
  • Cities classified as Heritage Cities under the HRIDAY Scheme.
  • Cities along the main rivers with a population above 75,000 and less than 1 lakh.
  • Hill states, islands, and tourist destinations (limited to one city per state).

Benefits

The AMRUT scheme supports a range of development activities aimed at creating better urban spaces, including:

1. Water Supply: Installation of new water treatment plants, rehabilitation of old systems, and provision of water supply in difficult areas.
2. Sewerage Systems: Construction of decentralized sewerage systems and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure.
3. Septage Management: Safe cleaning, transport, and treatment of faecal sludge.
4. Storm Water Drainage: Construction and improvement of storm water drainage to avoid flooding.
5. Urban Transport: Development of public transport, bus rapid transit systems (BRTS), and non-motorized transport facilities like footpaths and bike lanes.
6. Green Spaces: Establishment of parks with child-friendly features and public spaces to enhance the quality of urban life.
7. Capacity Building: Enhancement of the capabilities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and local stakeholders to manage and implement urban infrastructure projects.

Eligibility

• The scheme is open to 500 cities across India, including municipalities, cantonment boards, and heritage cities.
• Cities selected under the mission will be identified based on their population and urban needs.

Application Process

The AMRUT scheme does not require direct applications from individuals. Instead, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are responsible for proposing projects and ensuring their implementation:

1. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will submit State Annual Action Plans (SAAP) detailing proposed projects for the city’s development.
2. Tripartite MoUs: If a ULB lacks the capacity to execute the project, the State Government can recommend the involvement of specialized parastatal agencies via a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
3. Capacity Building: The AMRUT scheme includes provisions to build capacity in ULBs, helping them manage and execute projects more effectively.

Documents Required

There are no specific documents required for individual citizens to apply, as the projects are managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). However, the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) will require various supporting documents such as:

• Project proposals for water supply, sewerage, and urban transport.
• Documentation on the infrastructure needs of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is my city listed in the 500 cities selected for AMRUT?
   Check the official AMRUT mission progress dashboard for the list of cities covered under the scheme.
2. Can ULBs hire consultants for SLIP preparation?
   Yes, ULBs are encouraged to hire consultants to help prepare their State Level Investment Plans (SLIP).
3. What is the project cost limit for each sector?
   The project cost limit varies based on the sector and project type but should be aligned with the Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).
4. How will ULBs share the 30% contribution in AMRUT projects?
   ULBs are expected to share a 30% contribution for each project, which might be challenging for some cities, especially those dependent on state funds.
5. What is the prioritization of projects in water and sewerage sectors?
   Priority is given to projects that address critical needs such as water supply systems, sewerage, and storm water drainage to avoid flooding.
6. Can capacity building be extended to cities outside AMRUT?
   Yes, capacity-building programs can be extended to other ULBs as well, even if they are not part of AMRUT.
7. Can incentives for reforms be extended to non-AMRUT cities?
   Yes, reform incentives can be extended to ULBs outside the AMRUT cities, depending on the scope and alignment of reforms.