Context:

• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 continues to drive significant infrastructure improvements across urban areas in the state, focusing particularly on enhancing essential services like water supply. A recent visit by a central team to Rajgarh highlights ongoing efforts and progress under this initiative, aimed at ensuring sustainable development and improved quality of life for residents of Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points:

• Recently, a central team from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs visited Rajgarh to evaluate the progress of the lift water supply scheme sanctioned under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.
• The scheme aims to significantly improve water supply infrastructure in the area, benefiting a total of 945 households and serving a population of 5,914 residents. Once operational, the scheme is expected to provide a total water capacity of 7,97,873 litres.
• During the assessment, it was reported that approximately 70% of the scheme's implementation has been completed.  According to the concerned officials, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026, with steady progress noted in the ongoing construction and installation efforts.
• The primary focus during the assessmant was on ensuring the implementation of a robust 24x7 water supply system.

Expansion across the state under AMRUT 2.0

• The assessment exercise has also highlighted the broader context of urban development initiatives under AMRUT 2.0 across the state.
• It is noteworthy here that eleven projects have been sanctioned to various urban local bodies, including municipalities in Theog, Sunni, Rampur, Dalhousie, Amb, Bhuntar, Nahan, Baijnath, Arki, Nirmand, and Palampur.
• These initiatives aim to enhance essential infrastructure and services, contributing to overall urban rejuvenation and improved living standards.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT 2.0).

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the nodal ministry for the scheme.
• It is the continuation of the AMRUT mission launched in June 2015 to ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.
• AMRUT 2.0 aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 ULBs (Urban Local Bodies).
• It also seeks to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat through encouraging Startups and Entrepreneurs (Public Private Partnership).
• It will build upon the progress of AMRUT to address water needs, rejuvenate water bodies, better manage aquifers, reuse treated wastewater, thereby promoting a circular economy of water.
• It will provide 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities.
• Recycling and reuse of treated wastewater is expected to cater to 20% of total water needs of the cities and 40% of industrial demand. Under the Mission, fresh water bodies will be protected from getting polluted to make natural resources sustainable.
• Pey Jal Survekshan will be conducted in cities to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater and mapping of water bodies.