JAL HI AMRIT

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Context:

The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs has launched the Jal Hi AMRIT Program to improve water management. 

About Jal Hi Amrit Program

The initiative is launched under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 with the objective of improving the quality of treated wastewater and to encourage its recycling in urban areas.

Key Objectives of the Initiative

1. Promote better management of water resources.
2. Incentivize states and Union Territories (UTs) to operate sewage treatment plants (STPs).
3. Empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to select STPs from their regions to participate in this initiative. 

Key Elements of the Initiative

1. Clean Water Credit System to encourage competition among cities to improve their wastewater treatment processes.
2. Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) receive clean water credits based on a star rating system, these ratings will be certified and valid for six months, allowing cities to showcase their achievements.
3. Performance-based incentives to STPs based on their star ratings; higher ratings will lead to better rewards.
4. Promoting Water Circularity by treating wastewater effectively, cities can reuse this resource, reducing waste and conserving water.

About Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

The initiative was launched by the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs in June 2015 to improve basic infrastructure in 500 cities across the country.

Key objectives

• Ensuring everyone has access to clean and safe drinking water.
• Improving the systems for managing waste and rainwater.
• Creating parks and gardens for better air quality and recreational areas.
• Promoting walking and cycling to reduce pollution.
• Training local authorities and citizens to manage urban issues effectively.

AMRUT 2.0

In October 2021, AMRUT 2.0 was launched to continue the work started in AMRUT 1.0. This phase will run for five years, from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Objectives of AMRUT 2.0

1. Extend coverage from 500 cities to about 4,900 statutory towns.
2. Improve sewerage services in the initial 500 cities.
3. Promote water recycling and conservation through City Water Balance Plans (CWBP) and rejuvenation of water bodies.
4. Make life better for citizens by enhancing urban planning, reducing non-revenue water, and improving urban finance.

Key Components of AMRUT 2.0

1. Pey Jal Survekshan to set the fair distribution of water, reuse wastewater, and encourage healthy competition among cities.
2. Technology Sub-Mission to bring the latest technologies for better water management.
3. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to raise awareness about water conservation among the public.

Must Read Articles: 

AMRUT 2.0

AMRIT SAROVAR

Source: 

PIB

ANINEWS

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the Jal Hi AMRIT Program: 1. The Program is launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.  2. It is launched under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0. 3. The objective of the programme is to improve the quality of treated wastewater. How many of the above statements are correct? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect:  It is launched under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Statement 2 is correct: Jal Hi AMRIT is a part of the AMRUT 2.0 initiative, which focuses on providing basic civic amenities to urban areas. Statement 3 is correct: The main objective is to enhance the quality of treated wastewater and promote its reuse in urban areas.