Context

India's urban landscape is rapidly transforming, with an increasing proportion of its population residing in cities. Currently, about 36% of Indians live in urban areas, and this figure is projected to exceed 50% by 2047. The World Bank estimates that a staggering $840 billion will be required to meet the basic urban infrastructure needs over the next 15 years. To address these growing urban challenges, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme was launched by the NDA-1 government in June 2015. This initiative aims to tackle critical issues in urban infrastructure, particularly in water supply, sewerage, and pollution management. In its second phase, AMRUT 2.0, launched on October 1, 2021, the focus has shifted towards making cities more water-secure and enhancing sewage management.

Purpose and Objectives of the AMRUT Scheme

The AMRUT scheme was designed to address specific challenges in urban infrastructure. One of its primary objectives is to ensure that every household has access to a tap with a reliable water supply and a sewerage connection. Additionally, the scheme aims to enhance the aesthetic and environmental value of cities by developing green spaces, such as parks, and reducing pollution through the promotion of public transport and facilities for non-motorized transport.

The mission targets 500 cities and towns with populations exceeding 100,000, all of which have notified municipalities. The total financial outlay for AMRUT during its initial phase from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20 was ₹50,000 crore. AMRUT 2.0 aims to extend these benefits by making cities 'water secure' and providing functional water tap connections to all households in statutory towns. This phase has set ambitious targets, including achieving 100% sewage management in 500 cities. The total outlay for AMRUT 2.0 is significantly higher, at ₹2,99,000 crore, with the central government contributing ₹76,760 crore over five years, and the remainder to be mobilized by the states and cities.

Financial Allocation and Utilization

As of May 19, 2024, the AMRUT dashboard indicates that ₹83,357 crore has been disbursed for various projects under the scheme. This funding has facilitated the provision of 58,66,237 tap connections and 37,49,467 sewerage connections. Additionally, 2,411 parks have been developed, and 62,78,571 LED lights have been installed as part of the mission’s efforts to improve urban infrastructure and reduce energy consumption.

Reality and Current Urban Challenges

Despite the progress made under the AMRUT scheme, significant challenges remain. India continues to grapple with severe issues related to water, sanitation, and hygiene. It is estimated that inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure contributes to the deaths of around 200,000 people annually. The disease burden from unsafe water and poor sanitation in India is alarmingly high, with the situation remaining largely unchanged since ,2016 when it was noted to be 40 times worse than in China.

Moreover, a considerable amount of wastewater remains untreated, exacerbating the spread of diseases. Many of the country's 150 monitored reservoirs, which are crucial for drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power, were filled to just 40% of their capacity recently. This water scarcity issue is particularly acute, with 21 major cities at risk of depleting their groundwater resources. A NITI Aayog report has warned that 40% of India’s population could lack access to drinking water by 2030. Currently, 31% of urban households do not have piped water, and 67.3% are not connected to a sewerage system. The average water supply per person in urban areas is 69.25 liters per day, well below the required 135 liters.

Air quality in AMRUT cities and other large urban settlements continues to deteriorate. Although the National Clean Air Programme was launched in 2019, air pollution remains a pressing issue, underscoring the need for more comprehensive measures beyond the water and sewerage focus of AMRUT 2.0.

Shortcomings of the AMRUT Scheme

Several fundamental flaws have hindered the effectiveness of the AMRUT scheme. One of the key issues is the scheme's project-oriented approach, which lacks a holistic vision for urban development. Additionally, the scheme was designed with minimal participation from the cities themselves. It was largely driven by bureaucratic processes and private interests, with limited involvement from elected city officials.

The governance structure of AMRUT further exemplifies this disconnect. At the central level, the apex committee is headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), with no elected representatives involved. Similarly, at the state level, the high-powered committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary and includes consultants and professionals from the private sector, excluding local representatives in violation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment.

Moreover, the scheme's approach to water management often overlooks the specific climate and rainfall patterns of different regions, as well as the existing infrastructure for combined sewers. This has resulted in inefficiencies, such as sewage treatment plants being located far from residential areas, increasing the distance that waste must travel. The influence of large private players and real estate developers has also skewed urban planning, leading to the disappearance of natural water bodies, disrupted stormwater flows, and inadequate stormwater drainage systems.

Recommendations

To address these shortcomings, the AMRUT scheme needs to adopt nature-based solutions and a more comprehensive, people-centric approach. Empowering local bodies and involving elected representatives in the planning and implementation processes are crucial steps towards achieving this goal. Urban planning should integrate considerations of local climate conditions and existing infrastructure to create more efficient and sustainable systems.

Furthermore, a shift from a project-oriented to a holistic approach is necessary to ensure the long-term success of urban development initiatives. This includes not only improving water and sewerage systems but also addressing broader issues such as air quality and sustainable transport. By fostering greater community participation and enhancing the role of local governments, the AMRUT scheme can better meet the diverse needs of India’s rapidly growing urban population and create more livable, resilient cities for the future.

Conclusion

While the AMRUT scheme has made significant strides in improving urban infrastructure, much work remains to be done. Addressing the current challenges and shortcomings requires a more integrated, participatory approach that prioritizes the needs and voices of urban residents. With these changes, AMRUT can more effectively contribute to the sustainable development of India’s cities, ensuring a higher quality of life for all urban dwellers.

Source - The Hindu