In 2015, the Narendra Modi government in India launched an Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) programme in 500 selected cities across the country. It was launched with the aim of providing universal water supply to 1.39 crore people. The scheme also envisaged an increase in sewer coverage to 62% of the country’s population. By 2021, 1.12 crore connections of tap water and 87 lakh sewer connections were provided out of the 1.45 crore target.
In October 2021, a revamped AMRUT or AMRUT 2.0 was launched with a total outlay of almost 300 thousand crores, which was nearly 3 times its initial allocation. This showed that the experiment had given confidence to the government that it can deliver the experiment across the country. Water Supply sewerage, storm-water drainage, urban transport and green parks are included in the mission for urban redevelopment.
It aimed at providing tap-water connections to households in all statutory towns which amounted to 2.68 crore. It also aimed at providing universal sewage connections to households in 500 cities through 2.64 crore new sewer connections including septage management.
During the launch of the AMRUT 2.0, PM Narendra Modi said, “In the next stage of AMRUT, country targets to have access to clean water for all urban citizens, increase coverage of sewerage & septage management, make our cities water secure and ensure that no dirty water falls into the rivers from drains. The journey of AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Mission so far is a pride for citizens. It is not only Mission, but also denotes honour, modesty, & aspiration of the nation and love for the Motherland.”
Apart from the core elements, the scheme also includes Pey Jal Survekshan, Information Education & Communication, and Technology submission. It will also include reforms regarding municipal governance and water security in cities. Such as reduction of non-revenue water, greater use of treated used water, 24*7 ‘drink from tap’ facility, etc.
In India, drinking water from taps has continued to remain a pipe dream due to various challenges. As the country progresses to a middle-income group, providing last mile connectivity of drinking water and sewage is necessary. The scheme aims to do that within a spend of 3000 rupees per house. However, the complexity will involve freshwater treatment, scaling distribution systems, using smart systems like SCADA, etc.
Through the programme, the problem of groundwater usage can be addressed to some extent too in urban areas. Rejuvenation of water bodies/wetlands, storm water drains, rainwater harvesting, etc. will add to sustainability in India. In 2019, a report by the NITI Aayog revealed that India is already facing a severe water shortage, 600 million people are living in water-scarcity and major cities have exhausted their groundwater resources.
In December 2022, it was reported that 80 projects amounting to 406 crores were completed in Jammu, Srinagar, and Anantnag alone. The Housing Ministry also launched the Pey Jal Survekshan in December to access the quality, quantity and coverage of water supply, sewerage and septage management. In total, 4711 projects, amounting to 33 thousand crores, have been completed. More efforts will be needed to ensure that water scarcity is addressed system wise in agriculture and industry too, groundwater recharge is achieved in urban areas and quality of tap water increases to international standards.
As India takes the stage in G20, United Nations and climate negotiations, successes of schemes like AMRUT will be instrumental. Development is a dire necessity, and it can’t be neglected for the sake of sustainability. Narendra Modi government has adopted a unique approach where development is carried out hand-in-hand with sustainable projects. Most of the developing countries in Africa, Latin America and South-East Asia share the challenges with India. They have huge populations, electoral challenges and climatic challenges; apart from lack of funds and technology. India’s approach to solve the entire issue under its ambitious “Atmanirbhar Bharat” umbrella will ultimately become a role model for other countries. AMRUT is acutely important for increasing the quality of life, standard of women, and health parameters of the population. The impact of the mission will be felt in the coming years.
