Kerala unable to meet AMRUT target due to poor waste management

Thiruvananthapuram: The inadequate waste management practices in Kerala resulted in its inability to meet the targets of the ATAL Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. The scheme was launched to enhance the quality of life in urban areas by offering basic civic amenities to the residents.

The insufficient efforts in treating sewerage and septage waste have had a negative impact on the state. The state received approval for 1012 projects worth Rs 2357.69 crore. However, only 69.05 per cent of the grants were utilised till now. Out of the proposed 1012 projects for the cities- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Thrissur, Guruvayur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and Kannur, only 874 projects were accomplished. 

Though the project documents for the waste treatment plants were prepared, the bidding of tenders was delayed in many cities. 

The AMRUT scheme covers drinking water distribution, waste water and sewerage treatment, renovation of canals, urban transport and urban beautification.  

Kerala government spent 74.17 per cent of Rs 1082.98 crore allocated for drinking water distribution, while only 43.81 per cent of Rs 628.87 crore was spent for sewerage and septage waste treatment. 

Utilisation of funds allocated under AMRUT 

Projects completed under AMRUT