AMRUT Mission: Over 1,100 Parks Set Up Across India

Nearly four years after the launch of the Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Transformation (AMRUT) mission, a total of 1,159 parks have been set up across the country under the project. According to the housing ministry, more than 4,288 acres of land is being developed as green spaces across the country under the AMRUT mission.

Launched in June 2015, the scheme aims at ensuring robust sewage networks, water supply, and other infrastructures to improve the quality of life of people in urban areas. It was earlier reported that only 15 per cent funds granted to the project stand utilised. According to the housing ministry, approximately 1,885 projects worth Rs 5,075 crore have been completed in past four years.

Delhi government asked to put AMRUT projects on fast track 

Housing Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had asked the Delhi Government to expedite projects under the AMRUT mission  as the Ministry had approved all state annual action plans (SAAP), totalling around Rs 802.31 crore, submitted by the Delhi government in three rounds under the scheme. The ministry had released the first instalment of 20 per cent of the committed Central assistance, amounting to Rs 160.46 crore, he said.

"Against the total SAAP size of Rs 802.31 crore, projects worth Rs 143 crore only have been awarded so far. With respect to projects worth Rs 397 crore, even detailed projects reports (DPRs) have not been prepared/approved,” Puri said in the letter.

In SAAP-I, which was approved on March 15, 2016, the Delhi government had proposed projects worth Rs 217 crore in water and sewerage sector. However, only two projects, costing Rs 142.11 crore, have been awarded so far.

Similarly, in case of SAAP-II, approved on December 21, 2016, against the proposal of Rs 251 core, no projects have been awarded so far.

Puri said all projects under the scheme had to be completed by March 2020 so that the Delhi government could claim full Central assistance.

Delay in commencement might result in incomplete projects, depriving Delhi of approved Central assistance and also its citizens of the benefits from the projects, he added.

With inputs from Housing News