[Watch] PM Modi Launches Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban & AMRUT 2.0; Praises Street Vendors For Digital Transactions

New Delhi: On the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 here on Friday.

In line with the vision of the Prime Minister, SBM-U 2.0 and AMRUT 2.0 have been designed to realise the aspiration to make all our cities ‘Garbage Free’ and ‘Water Secure’.

Speaking on the occasion, Modi said “we are committed to ensuring cleaner and better urban spaces.”

“I am very happy that today’s generation has strengthened the initiative of Swachh Bharat. Toffee wrappers are no longer thrown on the ground but kept in pockets. Small children, stop the elders from littering public places,” said Modi.

We have to remember that Swachh Bharat Mission is not for a day, a fortnight, a year or for a few people. Cleanliness is for everyone, every day, every fortnight, every year, generation after generation. Cleanliness is a lifestyle and a mantra, he added

He also praised the street vendors for shifting to digital mode of monetary transactions and adding to the nation’s mission of totally shifting to a digital transactions. “If 7 crore vendors can make digital transactions, then we can do it,” he added.

What is AMRUT 2.0

AMRUT 2.0 aims to provide 100% coverage of water supply to all households in around 4,700 urban local bodies by providing about 2.68 crore tap connections and 100% coverage of sewerage and septage in 500 AMRUT cities by providing around 2.64 crore sewer/ septage connections, which will benefit more than 10.5 crore people in urban areas.

AMRUT 2.0 will adopt the principles of circular economy and promote conservation and rejuvenation of surface and groundwater bodies.

The Mission will promote data-led governance in water management and Technology Sub-Mission to leverage latest global technologies and skills.

‘Pey Jal Survekshan’ will be conducted to promote progressive competition among cities. The outlay of AMRUT 2.0 is around ₹2.87 lakh crore.

Impact of SBM-U and AMRUT

SBM-U and AMRUT have contributed significantly to improve urban landscape during the last seven years. The two flagship Missions have augmented the capacity to deliver basic services of water supply and sanitation to the citizens. Swachhta has become a Jan Andolan today.

All urban local bodies have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) and 70% solid waste is being scientifically processed now.

AMRUT has been ensuring water security by adding 1.1 crore household water tap connections and 85 lakh sewer connections, thus benefiting more than 4 crore people.