Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, SBM-U and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0, AMRUT. The SBM-U 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have been designed to realize the aspiration to make all cities Garbage Free and Water Secure. These flagship missions signify a step forward towards effectively addressing the challenges of rapidly urbanizing India. It will also help in achieving the targets set under the Sustainable Development Goals-2030.
Launching the initiatives at a function in New Delhi, the Prime Minister said, the aim of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 is to make cities garbage-free while the Second Phase of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation is to make cities water secure. He said, cleanliness is not just for a day, fortnight or year, it is a mega campaign for everyday and for everyone to take part in it. Mr. Modi said, the the next phase of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and AMRUT is a key step in fulfilling Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s dream of urban ease of living and solve problems of the people. He called upon all the State Governments, Mayors and local administrations to actively get back to the cleanliness mission. He said, the journey of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and AMRUT Mission so far makes every Indian pride.
He said, today India is processing about one lakh tonnes of waste every day. In 2014, less than 20 per cent of the waste was being processed which stands now at 70 per cent of daily waste. The Prime Minister said the garbage mountains in cities will be processed and removed completely.
Talking about fund allocation for urban development, Mr. Modi said, only 1.25 lakh crore rupees was allotted seven years before 2014 while after that the government has allotted nearly four lakh crore rupees for the sector. He stressed the need to ensure 100 per cent urban families receive water connections and sewer line connectivity. He added that once sewage water treatment increases in the country, it will help in keeping rivers cleaner.
Highlighting the PM Street Vendor’s Aatmanirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, Mr. Modi said, the scheme is benefiting street vendors and urged local bodies to popularize the initiative. He said, the street vendors are now doing digital transactions and paying back their loans on time. In a very short time, these vendors have already done over seven crore digital transactions. Mr. Modi said Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have provided maximum loans to street vendors and urged all states to extend help to them to empower urban poor.
Swachh Bharat and AMRUT Mission have brought transformative changes in the lives of people in the last six to seven years. These Missions have improved the urban landscape by adopting scientific approach and engaging citizens through mass movement. Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, urban areas of 35 States and Union Territories have become open defecation free. More than 73 lakh toilets have been built across the country which has improved health and sanitation. In all, 97 per cent homes now have door to door waste collection facilities. The pace of construction of toilets will be further accelerated through Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Also, aspirational toilets will be built in high footfall areas. AMRUT has ensured water security by adding one crore 10 lakh water tap connections and 85 lakh sewer connections in the last six years. AMRUT 2.0 mission will prove to be a major step towards making cities self-reliant and ensuring water security. Under this mission, drinking water survey will be conducted to provide better water services to the people.
Lauding the services of Safai Karamcharis, the Prime Minister said, they are heroes of Swachh Bharat Mission. He said, the country has watched their contribution in the difficult times of Corona.
On the occasion, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and others were also present.
