Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission (AMRUT)

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission (AMRUT) is a pivotal initiative by the Indian government aimed at transforming the urban landscape of the country. Launched in June 2015, AMRUT seeks to provide basic services such as water supply, sewerage, and urban transport to households and build amenities in cities that will improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. This mission marks a significant step in the direction of inclusive and sustainable urban development, which is essential given the rapid urbanization in India.

Key features of AMRUT include:

• Providing basic services like water supply, sewerage, and urban transport to households and building amenities in cities that improve the quality of life for all, especially the poor and disadvantaged.
• Reducing pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g., walking and cycling).
• Creating green spaces and parks with special provisions for children and the elderly.

What is the AMRUT Mission?

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission, commonly known as AMRUT, is a national initiative aimed at addressing the pressing needs of India’s urban infrastructure. With a focus on ensuring basic urban services, AMRUT aims to enhance the quality of life in cities and towns across the country. This mission prioritizes the development of water supply systems, sewerage facilities, stormwater drains, urban transport, and green spaces, all of which are critical to creating sustainable and liveable urban environments.

Background of the Mission

The genesis of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission can be traced back to the need for a comprehensive urban development program that addresses the gaps in infrastructure and service delivery in India’s cities. Rapid urbanization has led to increased pressure on existing urban infrastructure, resulting in inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and insufficient public transport facilities. Recognizing these challenges, the Indian government launched AMRUT to build infrastructure that caters to the growing needs of urban populations and enhances the overall quality of life.

The mission is named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India, in recognition of his contributions to the country’s development. AMRUT builds on the lessons learned from previous urban development programs, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), and seeks to create a more integrated and efficient framework for urban planning and development.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission are:

1. Ensuring Access to Basic Services: To provide every household with a tap water connection and a sewerage connection.
2. Urban Infrastructure Development: To enhance urban infrastructure, including water supply systems, sewerage networks, and stormwater drainage.
3. Green Spaces and Public Amenities: To create and maintain green spaces, parks, and other public amenities to improve the quality of urban life.
4. Pollution Reduction: To reduce pollution through the management of sewerage and stormwater and the promotion of non-motorized urban transport.
5. Capacity Building: To enhance the capacity of urban local bodies (ULBs) to plan, implement, and manage urban infrastructure projects effectively.

AMRUT 2.0

AMRUT 2.0 was launched to continue the momentum and address the evolving needs of urban development. It aims to further expand the scope of the mission by incorporating new components and increasing the focus on sustainability and resilience. This phase emphasizes the use of technology and data-driven approaches to improve service delivery and urban management.

AMRUT 2.0 seeks to extend the reach of the mission to smaller cities and towns, ensuring that the benefits of urban transformation are felt across the country. By prioritizing projects that have a high impact on the quality of life, AMRUT 2.0 aims to create more inclusive and sustainable urban environments.

Features of AMRUT 2.0 & Implementation Status

The AMRUT 2.0 is an extension of the original AMRUT initiative. It aims at further enhancing urban infrastructure and services across Indian cities. 

Features

• Technology Integration: AMRUT 2.0 leverages advanced technologies such as GIS mapping, remote sensing, and smart water management systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of urban infrastructure projects.
• Focus on Smaller Cities: The mission extends its focus to smaller cities and towns, ensuring that urban development is more balanced and inclusive.
• Sustainability and Resilience: AMRUT 2.0 integrates agriculture and urban planning to ensure that urban growth balances with environmental conservation.
• Citizen Participation: Ic
• Capacity Building: Enhanced capacity-building programs for urban local bodies to improve their ability to manage and maintain urban infrastructure.

Implementation Status

Since its launch, AMRUT 2.0 has made significant progress in various cities and towns across India. Numerous projects focusing on water supply, sewerage, and green spaces have been initiated and are at various stages of completion. The mission has also seen a substantial increase in citizen participation leading to more inclusive and effective urban development.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation: Significance

The AMRUT mission holds significant importance for the sustainable development of urban areas in India. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

Improved Quality of Life

The AMRUT mission represents a significant step toward enhancing the quality of life in urban areas across India. As cities become the epicenters of economic activities, ensuring that urban environments are sustainable, efficient, and livable becomes imperative. AMRUT focuses on the development of infrastructure to improve basic urban services, making cities more livable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Sustainable Urban Development

AMRUT emphasizes the development of green spaces and parks, which contribute to a healthier environment and promote recreational activities. This helps in creating a balance between urbanization and nature conservation.

Pollution Reduction

A significant aspect of AMRUT is its focus on pollution reduction. It is crucial for creating sustainable and livable urban environments. AMRUT integrates agriculture and its development in urban planning to ensure that urban growth is balanced with environmental conservation.

Inclusive Growth

It actively develops an approach to ensure equitable benefits from economic growth. This concept emphasizes the need for growth that is both sustainable and equitable, reducing disparities and promoting social inclusion. AMRUT ensures that all sections of society share the benefits of urbanization. It promotes inclusive growth and reduces urban inequalities.

Support for Agriculture and Rural Areas

While primarily focused on urban areas, AMRUT also indirectly supports agriculture and its development by promoting balanced urban growth. It does not encroach upon agricultural land, thereby maintaining a healthy coexistence between urban and rural areas.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation: Challenges

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a crucial initiative for improving urban infrastructure. This mission is also important for improving the quality of life in India’s cities. However, the mission faces several challenges that can impact its effectiveness and implementation.

Funding Constraints

Ensuring adequate and timely financial resources is a significant challenge. Many urban local bodies (ULBs) struggle with limited budgets and financial management issues. This can delay project implementation and affect the quality of outcomes.

Coordination and Governance

Effective coordination between various government departments, agencies, and stakeholders is essential for the success of AMRUT projects. However, bureaucratic hurdles, overlapping responsibilities, and lack of clear communication can impede progress.

Capacity Building

Many ULBs lack the necessary technical expertise and capacity to plan, execute, and maintain AMRUT projects. Capacity-building initiatives are crucial but often insufficient, leading to delays and suboptimal project execution.

Land Acquisition and Urban Planning

Acquiring land for infrastructure projects can be challenging due to legal, social, and economic issues. Additionally, integrating AMRUT projects into existing urban plans and ensuring their alignment with long-term urban development goals is complex.

Sustainability and Maintenance

Ensuring the sustainability of the infrastructure developed under AMRUT is critical. Maintenance of assets, such as water supply systems, requires continuous funding and attention, which can be challenging for many ULBs.

Conclusion

The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission represents a significant step towards transforming India’s urban landscape. AMRUT aims to enhance the quality of life for urban populations and create more inclusive and resilient cities. The success of mission and ongoing efforts under AMRUT 2.0 demonstrate the potential for positive change in India’s urban environments. Through continued commitment and collaboration, AMRUT can achieve its vision of a more liveable and sustainable urban future for all.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation Mission UPSC Notes

1. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aims to improve the quality of life in urban areas by ensuring sustainable and efficient urban infrastructure. 2. AMRUT focuses on key infrastructure components such as water supply, sewage management, stormwater drainage, urban transport, and green spaces. 3. The mission seeks to provide universal access to tap water for every household, reducing water scarcity and promoting sustainable water usage. 4. Efficient sewage and septage management under AMRUT aims to enhance urban hygiene and reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases. 5. Stormwater drainage systems are a priority to prevent urban flooding and waterlogging, particularly in cities with heavy rainfall. 6. AMRUT promotes the development of urban transport infrastructure, including better public transportation and pedestrian-friendly pathways, to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. 7. The mission includes the creation and maintenance of green spaces, such as parks and gardens, to improve the environmental quality and provide recreational areas for urban residents. 8. AMRUT emphasizes the participation of local bodies and citizens in urban planning and development, ensuring that the projects are community-driven and address the specific needs of each city.

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