India 2018

Rural and Urban Development 477
formulation of bye-laws to incorporate provisions for disaster management,
water harvesting and reuse and recycle of waste water and implementation of
Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was
launched in 2015. The objective of the Mission is to improve basic urban
infrastructure in 500 cities/towns which would be known as Mission cities/
towns. The Mission is being operated as a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS). It
aims to cover all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh with notified
municipalities, including cantonment boards (civilian areas) and certain other
cities like capital towns, some cities on stem of main rivers and tourist and hill
destinations. The purpose of AMRUT is to (i) ensure that every household has
access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection; (ii)
increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained
open spaces (e.g. parks); and (iii) reduce pollution by switching to public
transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g., walking
and cycling). AMRUT makes states equal partners in planning and
implementation of projects, thus actualizing the spirit of cooperative federalism.
As of now, 497 cities/towns have been selected under this Mission.
Smart Cities Mission
This Mission was launched in 2015. Smart Cities Mission is based on the idea of
developing the entire urban eco-system on the principles of complete and
integrated planning. The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development
and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will
act like a light house to other aspiring cities. The Smart Cities Mission is meant
to set examples that can be replicated both within and outside the Smart City,
catalysing the creation of similar cities in various regions and parts of the country.
The Mission is operated as a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS). Till December
2016, a total of 60 cities have been selected in this Mission covering a total of
9,152 sq. kms of urban area. In the approach of the Smart Cities Mission, the
objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent
quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application
of 'Smart' Solutions. The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development
and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will
act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities. The core infrastructure elements in
a smart city would include: (i) adequate water supply; (ii) assured electricity
supply; sanitation, including solid waste management; (iv) efficient urban
mobility and public transport; (v) affordable housing, especially for the poor;
(vi) robust IT connectivity and digitalization; (vii) good governance, especially
e-Governance and citizen participation; (viii) sustainable environment; (ix) safety
and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and (x)
health and education.