J&K Urban Landscape Set for Transformation through AMRUT 2.0 Scheme
Jammu, Aug 2: Jammu and Kashmir’s urban landscape is set to undergo a transformative change as the Union Territory government with the help of centrally sponsored schemes aims to tackle the housing demands of city dwellers.
Under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme, the Union Territory has been allocated a substantial amount of Rs. 1665 Crore to be utilized across 78 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This progressive initiative aims to address the housing crisis and uplift the living standards of the urban populace.
Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta has recently during a meeting called upon officers of the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to come up with a comprehensive policy for meeting the housing needs of the urban population of the UT, especially that of the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
The AMRUT 2.0 scheme is a continuation of the initial AMRUT initiative launched by the central government in 2015 to develop and improve basic infrastructure in urban areas.
“AMRUT 2.0 seeks to further enhance the urban infrastructure, focusing on areas such as housing, water supply, sewerage, and urban mobility. The allocation of Rs.1665.10 Crore exclusively for housing-related projects is a significant move that indicates the government’s commitment to ensuring decent living conditions for city residents in Jammu and Kashmir”, said a senior administrative official.
Housing has long been a pressing issue across India, and Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. Rapid urbanization and a growing population have led to an increased demand for affordable and quality housing options.
The AMRUT 2.0 funds will be a major boost in tackling the urban housing challenges in the region. The allocation will be utilized to build and upgrade housing infrastructure, provide essential services, and create sustainable living environments for the urban population.
“One of the primary goals of AMRUT 2.0 is to cater to the housing needs of the economically weaker sections and low-income groups residing in the urban areas. This inclusive approach ensures that even the most vulnerable segments of society have access to improved housing facilities. By focusing on affordable housing projects, the government aims to alleviate the burden on vulnerable communities and contribute to their overall well-being”, said an official.
The approval of the Rs.1665.10 Crore under AMRUT 2.0 UTWAP is a testament to the government’s commitment to balanced and sustainable urban development. By empowering the 78 ULBs in Jammu and Kashmir with this significant financial boost, the government aims to ensure effective implementation of housing and infrastructure projects that cater to the unique needs of each urban area.
It is pertinent to mention here that government officials say that since population of the urban areas is increasing fast, there is significant rise in demand for housing in cities and it is imperative on the part of the Department to be alive to this aspect of urban management.
The unplanned construction of houses in cities is putting a lot of pressure on the already shrinking land resources. In view of it, the Housing Department has the added responsibility of providing affordable and planned housing provisions to people in urban areas. He asked for identifying suitable land for vertical development in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu.
Government has directed officials to complete the Smart City projects in the two capital cities on priority basis as majority of the projects are aimed at improving the aesthetics or beautification of these cities so it deserves to be executed with all prudence and urgency for all to see and explore it.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U), Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atamnirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi), Smart City Mission (Jammu/ Srinagar), Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) are some of the main schemes run by the Department.
As per the government data, out of the 83 projects under AMRUT 1.0 around 78 have already been completed, 2 are going to be completed in the next few months.
About AMRUT 2.0 it was said that the Apex Committee of MoHUA has approved UT Water Action Plan (UTWAP) for 153 projects amounting to Rs. 1665.10 Cr for 78 ULBs of the UT covering 99 projects under water supply, 4 projects under Sewerage & Septage Management and 50 under Rejuvenation of water bodies. With respect to Smart City Mission the meeting was apprised that it was launched in 2017 with an aim to upgrade city infrastructure and provide better basic facilities to its citizens.
Under this Mission, two cities viz. Srinagar and Jammu have been covered with a project cost of Rs. 3634.00 Cr and Rs.3581.89 Cr respectively. A total of 137 and 124 projects have been taken-up in Srinagar and Jammu Smart Cities respectively, including projects under convergence mode, Smart City funding and PPP Mode.
About SBM (Urban) it was said that the same was launched in 2015. Furthermore the SBM(U) Phase-I aims at elimination of open defecation, scientific disposal of Solid Waste and behavioural change regarding healthy sanitation practices. Under phase-I, 52232 Individual Household Latrines and 2685 Community Toilets/Public Toilets have been constructed across all ULBs of the UT. Moreover, the SWM component has been carried forward under Phase-II for which an action plan is submitted to MoHUA for Rs. 753.57 Crore for its approval.
