The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has released ₹5.5 crore as part payment of the ₹8.4 crore approved as incentive to the Puducherry Local Administration Department for the successful implementation of urban reforms under AMRUT 2.0 during the fiscal periods of 2022-23 and 2023-24.
A press note said there were 19 projects which were being implemented with the central assistance of ₹150 crore across municipalities of Pondicherry, Ozhhukari (Oulgaret), Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam under Amrut 2.0.
These projects primarily focus on improving water supply, wastewater management and rejuvenation of waterbodies.
The Centre has been extending financial rewards to incentivise the successful implementation of these reforms by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
AMRUT 2.0 mission has a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at enhancing the financial sustainability and water security of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Key water-related reforms, include meeting 20% of water demand through recycled water, reducing non-revenue water to less than 20%, and rejuvenation of waterbodies. In addition, there are reforms in GIS-based mapping of properties for collection of property tax, user charges, and improving the creditworthiness of ULBs, along with urban planning.
The mission aims to make all statutory towns across the country ‘water secure’ and ensure that every household has access to functional water tap connections. This goal will be achieved by promoting a circular economy for water, which includes water source conservation, rejuvenation of waterbodies and wells, recycling and reuse of treated wastewater, and implementation of rainwater harvesting. The active involvement of local communities is a key component of this initiative, the press note said.
Published – February 05, 2025 08:58 pm IST