Only 0.4% of 1,652 MLD water treatment capacity completed under AMRUT

The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs examined the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and AMRUT 2.0 to assess progress in providing universal access to urban drinking water and improving sewerage infrastructure. This matters to citizens as it addresses the availability, quality, and sustainability of water supply and wastewater management in urban areas.

The report concerns the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and state governments responsible for urban water supply and sanitation. It affects the general public in urban areas with populations exceeding one lakh who rely on piped water supply and sewerage services.

• Funding Gap: The Committee noted that sanctioned funds (Rs 1.6 lakh crore) are only 50% of the projected investment requirement (Rs 3.2 lakh crore) for 2012-2031, and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) funding is inadequate.
• Recommendation for Funding: Pursue enhanced central funding for underserved regions, support ULB O&M through incentive mechanisms, and assess long-term financial needs up to 2047.
• Coordination Issues: Insufficient coordination among agencies for planning, financing, execution, and maintenance was flagged; the Committee recommended a dedicated platform with defined roles for key ministries.
• Monitoring Data: Absence of a robust data monitoring framework was noted; the Committee recommended a digital dashboard for tracking piped water coverage, 24x7 supply status, and distribution losses, along with expenditure tracking.
• Infrastructure Completion: Only 0.4% (6 MLD out of 1,652 MLD) of approved water treatment capacity augmentation/rehabilitation has been completed; the Committee recommended strict state-wise targets, focused support for lagging states, and linking funding to outcomes.
• Sustainability Measures: Slow implementation of water body rejuvenation projects (22% completion rate) was observed; the Committee recommended fast-tracking approvals, scaling up shallow aquifer management, and formulating a National Urban Aquifer Recharge Strategy.
• Non-Revenue Water (NRW): Lack of progress in reducing NRW (approx. 50% in 2011) despite incentives was noted; the Committee recommended activating the incentive system and publishing city-wise NRW levels and smart metering status.
• Wastewater Reuse: A gap exists between sewage generation (48,004 MLD) and treatment capacity (30,001 MLD, 56% utilization); only 11 states have formal reuse policies. The Committee recommended optimal use of existing capacity, installing adequate treatment plants, and formulating a National Urban Wastewater Reuse Policy.

Written from the document by AI, and checked against it. The original below is authoritative.

The original document