3.2.2. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Project

♤ 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. This is a centrally sponsored scheme with 80% budgetary support from the Centre.

♤ 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).

SDG and Urban Development

Goal IX: To make cities inclusive, safe and resilient

♤ By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums

♤ By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations: women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons

♤ By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanisation and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries

♤ Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage

♤ By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in vulnerable situations

♤ By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management

♤ By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities

♤ Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning

♤ By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic disaster risk management at all levels

♤ Support least developed countries, through financial and technical assistance, in