The Ministry of Urban Affairs has revealed to Parliament that the Center has approved a total of 2,135 projects for rejuvenation of water bodies, worth Rs 38,020 crore, since 2021 under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Kaushal Kishore said that 35 states and Union Territories have included provisions on rainwater harvesting in their building bylaws, in accordance with the Acts Construction Model (MBBL) of 2016.
MoS Kishore emphasized that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), through national missions like AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0, is supporting state governments to address water crises. Launched on October 1, 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to achieve universal water supply coverage and water security in all statutory cities by 2024, with 2,135 water rejuvenation projects already approved.
Kishore explained that under AMRUT 2.0, a focus on aquifer management plans will maintain a positive groundwater balance in urban aquifer systems. The plan, operational from fiscal year 2021-22 to 2025-26, focuses on tap water in all homes.
Giving an update on AMRUT, Kishore stated that 813 projects worth Rs 29.99 billion have been started and 739 projects worth Rs 18.64 billion have been completed. These efforts have eradicated 3,416 flood points and 372 more are in progress.
Launched on June 25, 2015 in 500 cities and towns, AMRUT focuses on infrastructure development in water supply, sewerage, wastewater management, stormwater drainage, green spaces, parks and non-motorized urban transport. Rainwater harvesting projects in the context of the water supply sector and urban reforms are part of the mission.
The minister revealed that 1,222 kilometers of drainage lines have been constructed under the AMRUT and another 401 kilometers are under construction. States and universities have undertaken seven rainwater harvesting projects, of which four have been completed and three are in progress, with a total cost of Rs 91.9 crore.