The Centre has approved sewerage and seepage projects worth Rs 629.35 billion under the AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme to date. Minister of State Tokhan Sahu informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday that these projects are establishing a vast 29,105 km sewerage network and a sewage treatment capacity of 5,791.94 million litres per day (MLD).

Launched on October 1, 2021, the AMRUT 2.0 scheme is set for a five-year period, from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Previously, the Centre had sanctioned Rs 324.56 billion for sewerage and septage projects under the AMRUT scheme. Construction of 313 sewerage treatment plants (STPs) with a total capacity of 6,232 MLD had been initiated.

The minister further noted that 214 STPs, with a total capacity of 4,174 MLD, have been completed, and approximately 18,000 km of sewerage network has been laid in these projects.

The first AMRUT scheme, launched on June 25, 2015, was implemented in 500 selected cities and towns across the country. This mission aimed to develop basic infrastructure in these areas, focusing on water supply, sewerage and seepage management, storm water drainage, green spaces and parks, and non-motorized urban transport. It also included a set of Urban Reforms and Capacity Building.

While sanitation is primarily a state subject and the responsibility of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) supports the states and ULBs by providing infrastructure for basic services, such as sewerage infrastructure and STPs, through its various flagship missions.