AMRUT Scheme: Transforming Indian Cities In-Depth Look

Why AMRUT Scheme in news?

India, like many other countries, is experiencing rapid urbanization.
This surge in urban population puts a strain on already stretched resources, leading to challenges in water supply, sanitation, pollution, and overall liveability.
In 2015, the Indian government launched the AMRUT scheme (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) to address these very issues.

AMRUT aimed to provide basic amenities to improve the quality of life in urban areas, particularly for the underprivileged.
The mission had three key objectives:
- Universal access to safe water and sanitation: This included ensuring every household had a tap connection with a guaranteed water supply and a sewerage connection.
- Improved urban aesthetics: The scheme focused on developing green spaces and well-maintained parks, thereby enhancing the visual appeal and recreational opportunities in cities.
- Reduced pollution: AMRUT promoted a shift towards public transport and facilities for non-motorised transport like cycling and walking, aiming to curb air and noise pollution in urban areas.
The initial phase of AMRUT, launched in 2015, had a total outlay of ₹50,000 crore for five years. Recognizing the ongoing need, AMRUT 2.0 was launched in 2021 with a significantly larger budget of ₹2,99,000 crore for another five years.

So far, AMRUT has shown progress in some areas. As of May 19, 2024, a significant amount has been disbursed for projects like providing tap connections (over 58 million), building parks (over 2,400), and replacing streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs (over 62 million).
However, the reality on the ground paints a somewhat concerning picture.
India continues to grapple with water scarcity and sanitation issues.
Millions of urban households lack access to piped water and proper sewage systems. Additionally, air quality in many AMRUT cities remains a major concern.

Despite its good intentions, AMRUT has faced criticism for its shortcomings. Here are some key areas where the scheme can be improved.
- Lack of Holistic Approach: AMRUT adopted a project-by-project approach rather than a comprehensive urban development strategy. This fragmented approach often fails to address the interconnectedness of urban challenges.
- Limited Local Participation: The scheme was designed with minimal involvement from the very cities it aimed to improve. This top-down approach overlooks the unique needs and contexts of each urban center.
- Inadequate Water Management: The scheme did not adequately consider factors like local climate, rainfall patterns, and existing infrastructure when planning water management projects. This has led to inefficient water and sewage treatment systems.
- Dominance of Private Interests: Critics argue that AMRUT has been driven more by private companies and real estate developers than by a genuine concern for sustainable urban planning. This has resulted in the prioritization of development projects over environmental considerations.

AMRUT Scheme potential remains largely untapped. Here’s how the scheme can be made more effective:
Embrace a Holistic Vision: AMRUT scheme needs to move towards a city-wide planning approach that considers all aspects of urban development, including water, sanitation, transportation, and public spaces.
Empower Local Bodies: Active participation of elected city governments and local communities is crucial. AMRUT should be redesigned to give them ownership and decision-making power.
Nature-Based Solutions: Sustainable and nature-based solutions for water management, such as rainwater harvesting and wetland restoration, should be prioritized.
Focus on Sustainability: AMRUT scheme should integrate environmental considerations into all projects to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce pollution.

AMRUT Scheme has made some strides in improving urban infrastructure, but significant challenges remain.
By adopting a more holistic, participatory, and nature-centric approach, AMRUT can truly transform Indian cities into livable and sustainable spaces for all.