AMRUT projects in nine civic bodies delayed in Kerala

Kerala is lagging in completing projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in nine civic bodies. PM Narendra Modi has announced the second phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission to make Indian cities garbage-free and water-secure. On September 30, just 52.59% of the funds were expended for the scheme from different sections, including water supply, sewerage, stormwater draining, urban transport and development of parks. The Ministry of Urban Affairs is initiating to introduce its flagship programme in many cities during the second phase. The state has already submitted three State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs) approved by the ministry with a total cost of Rs 2,357.69 crore for 1,000 projects in nine civic bodies in 2015-2022. About 738 projects have been completed, 999 projects completed technical sanction and floated tenders for 996 projects. The projects were conceived in FY 2015-16, submitted to the Ministry in 2018 through the Annual Action Plan for 2017-2020. The civic bodies contributed 20% of funds, the state government had 30% contribution, and the centre gave the remaining funds. According to the officials, the delay was due to the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2019 and 2020. Besides, the state also witnesses floods during monsoons in two consecutive years in 2018 and 2019. The urban local authorities are facing resistance from residents in executing sewerage and septage projects. The Kerala Water Authority has extended the water supply projects. Tenders had also faced controversies when Kozhikode-based Ram Biologicals got the tender to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for sewerage treatment plants. Image Source Also read: Govt plans 100% coverage of AMRUT scheme for urban India