Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Government Policies & Interventions for development of various sectors (issues in their design, implementation)
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– AMRUT Scheme
– Urban Development
– Water and sanitation
Context
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme is facing implementation lapses
Source
The Hindu | Editorial dated 30th May 2024
An overview of the AMRUT scheme
India’s rapid urbanization, with 36% of its population currently residing in cities, is set to exceed 50% by 2047. Addressing the burgeoning need for urban infrastructure, the World Bank estimates a requirement of $840 billion over the next 15 years. Launched in 2015 and revamped in 2021, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aims to tackle urban infrastructure challenges, particularly in water, mobility, and pollution.]
What is the AMRUT Scheme?
- Objectives:
- Water Supply and Sewerage: Ensure every household has access to a tap with assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
- Urban Greenery: Develop greenery and well-maintained open spaces such as parks.
- Pollution Reduction: Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and non-motorized transport.
- Coverage: Targets 500 cities and towns with a population of over one lakh.
- Financial Outlay:
- AMRUT: ₹50,000 crore for five years (FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20).
- AMRUT 2.0: ₹2,99,000 crore total outlay, with ₹76,760 crore from the Centre for five years.
Utilization of Funds
- Disbursement: As of May 19, 2024, ₹83,357 crore has been dispersed.
- Achievements:
- 58,66,237 tap connections provided.
- 37,49,467 sewerage connections provided.
- 2,411 parks developed.
- 62,78,571 LED lights replaced.
Current Reality
Despite the ambitious scheme, urban development indicators show concerning trend.
- Health Impact: About 2,00,000 deaths annually due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Nearly 31% of urban households do not have piped water;
- 67.3% are not connected to a piped sewerage discharge system.
- The average water supply per person in urban India is 69.25 litres/day, whereas the required amount is 135 litres/day.
- High disease burden due to unsafe water and poor sanitation.
- Many of the 150 reservoirs monitored by the central government, which supply water for drinking and irrigation, were filled to just 40% of their capacity a few weeks ago.
- A World Bank report highlighted that many major cities in India are running out of groundwater, exacerbating water scarcity issues.
- A NITI Aayog report stated that by 2030, 40% of India’s population might lack access to drinking water.
- Air Quality: Continues to deteriorate, even in AMRUT cities. [ The National Clean Air Programme was launched in 2019 to address these issues].
What Went Wrong?
- Fundamental Issues:
- The scheme was project-oriented rather than holistic.
- Lack of Local Participation:
- Cities were not involved in the planning process.
- The scheme was driven by bureaucrats, parastatals, and private interests.
- Governance Issues:
- The apex committee and State level high-powered committee are dominated by non-elected officials, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.
- Poor Water Management:
- Inadequate consideration of climate, rainfall patterns, and existing infrastructure.
- Private Interests:
- Real estate development often took precedence over urban planning, leading to the disappearance of water bodies and disruption of stormwater flows.
Way Forward
- Nature-Based Solutions: Adopt comprehensive, nature-based methodologies.
- People-Centric Approach: Empower local bodies and involve people in planning.
- Holistic Planning: Move away from project-oriented approaches to more integrated urban planning strategies.
Conclusion
The AMRUT scheme, despite its ambitious goals, has faced significant implementation challenges and structural flaws. A shift towards a more inclusive, holistic, and locally driven approach is essential to truly transform India’s urban infrastructure and ensure sustainable urban development.
Related Topic
HRIDAY Scheme
- Launch Date: January 21, 2015
- Purpose: Preserve and revitalize India’s heritage cities to reflect their unique character.
Objectives
- Heritage Preservation: Reflect the unique character of heritage cities.
- Aesthetic Development: Create visually appealing and accessible environments.
- Security and Accessibility: Ensure safe and informative urban spaces.
Implementation
- Administering Body: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Mission Mode Approach: Similar to the Smart City Scheme, with quantifiable goals.
- Collaboration: Approved areas identified by the Ministry of Culture.
- Core Heritage Infrastructure:
- Approach Roads: Enhancing connectivity to heritage sites.
- Drainage: Improving water management systems.
- Footpaths: Developing pedestrian-friendly pathways.
- Electrical Wiring: Upgrading electrical infrastructure.
- Landscaping: Beautifying heritage surroundings.
- Sanitation: Ensuring clean and hygienic environments.
- Street Lights: Improving illumination for safety.
- Water Supply: Providing adequate water services.
- Waste Management: Effective disposal and recycling systems.
HRIDAY Scheme Cities List
Below are the cities that are listed under the HRIDAY Scheme:
- Ajmer
- Amravati
- Badami
- Gaya
- Mathura
- Puri
- Varanasi
- Velankanni
- Warangal
- Dwarka
- Kanchipuram
- Amritsar
Read More:
An-overview-of-the-smart-cities-mission
References
Related PYQ
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]
Practice Question
Discuss the objectives and challenges of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme in addressing urban infrastructure needs in India. [250 words]