AMRUT, or Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, stands as a flagship initiative introduced by the Government of India in June 2015. This program is geared towards enhancing the urban lifestyle by furnishing fundamental infrastructure and services.
The objectives of AMRUT are diverse:
- Elevating the standard of living for urban dwellers.
- Enhancing the urban ambiance by mitigating pollution.
- Provision of parks and augmentation of green spaces for the well-being of residents.
- Ensuring universal access to essential services like water supply, sewerage, and urban transportation.
- Encouraging and facilitating non-motorized modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.
The components of the AMRUT mission encompass:
- Water Supply: Guaranteeing access to water for all, with an emphasis on groundwater recharge, revitalization of water bodies, and water treatment.
- Sewerage and Septage Management: Ensuring sanitation facilities like septic tanks and sewerage networks for every household.
- Urban Transport: Enhancing public transportation systems like buses and metro rails.
- Stormwater Drainage: Designing and upgrading drainage systems to prevent flooding and waterlogging.
- Green Space/Park: Developing green spaces and parks with special amenities catering to various demographics.
Eligibility criteria for AMRUT include:
- All cities and towns with notified municipalities, including Cantonment Boards, with a population exceeding one lakh.
- State/UT capital cities/towns not covered in the previous category.
- Cities and towns designated as heritage cities under the HRIDAY Scheme by the Ministry of Urban Development.
- Thirteen cities and towns located on main river tributaries, with populations ranging from 75,000 to less than one lakh.
- Ten cities from hill states, islands, and tourist destinations, limited to one from each state.
In conclusion, AMRUT, through its comprehensive approach, endeavors to uplift urban living standards by providing essential infrastructure, fostering sustainable development, and promoting holistic planning.
