Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) along with smart cities were jointly planned and launched by the government to transform urban living conditions through infrastructure upgradation. AMRUT is aimed at transforming 500 cities and towns into efficient urban living spaces over a period of five years. Ministry of Urban Development has selected the five hundred cities with the help of state governments.
A project oriented development approach is adopted under the scheme in contrast to the area based approach of Smart Cities Mission. The Cabinet approved Rs 50,000 crore for this mission which is to be spent over a period five years. A unique feature of AMRUT is that it is a centrally sponsored scheme with 80% budgetary support from the Centre. Formula for Allocation of AMRUT cities among States was based on total population and number of statutory urban towns (50:50)
Mission of AMRUT is to (i) ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection; (ii) increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).
Thrust areas
The Mission will focus on the following Thrust Areas: (i) Water Supply, (ii) Sewerage facilities and septage management, (iii) Storm Water drains to reduce flooding, (iv) Pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport facilities, parking spaces, and (v) Enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation centers, especially for children.
Funding of the scheme
The total outlay for AMRUT is Rs. 50,000 crores for five years from financial year 2015-16 to 2019-20 and the Mission will be operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The AMRUT may be continued thereafter in the light of an evaluation done by the MoUD and incorporating learnings in the Mission.
Synergy between Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT
The two missions that were simultaneously launched – Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT are interlinked. AMRUT adopts a project approach to ensure basic infrastructure services in 500 cities and towns. Smart Cities Mission adopts an area based approach in 100 cities with focus on core infrastructure services like: Adequate and clean Water supply, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, Efficient Urban Mobility and Public Transportation, Affordable housing for the poor, power supply, robust IT connectivity, Governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, safety and security of citizens, health and education and sustainable urban environment.
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