Chandigarh, Dec. 23 — Punjab has received nearly Rs 6,000 crore for urban infrastructure projects under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0) since 2021, though an RTI query has flagged delays in the release of central assistance.
Information obtained by RTI activist Kamal Anand shows that 163 projects worth Rs 2,761.02 crore have been grounded across the state. These include 58 water supply projects costing Rs 1,242.28 crore, 62 sewerage and septage management works valued at Rs 1,504.65 crore, and 43 parks and green spaces developed at a cost of Rs 14.09 crore.
Against a committed central assistance of Rs 1,204.47 crore under AMRUT, the Centre has released Rs 1,190.77 crore so far.
Under AMRUT 2.0, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved 214 projects worth Rs 3,626.38 crore for Punjab since Oct. 1, 2021. Water supply has remained the primary focus, with 152 projects accounting for Rs 2,980.78 crore.
The state has also received approval for 12 sewerage and septage management projects worth Rs 541.86 crore to strengthen sanitation infrastructure. Environmental components under AMRUT 2.0 include rejuvenation of 25 water bodies at a cost of Rs 65.47 crore and development of green spaces in towns including Sangrur, Samana, Sunam, Dhuri and Zirakpur.
However, the RTI revealed that against a committed central share of Rs 1,836 crore under AMRUT 2.0, only Rs 329.69 crore has been released, raising concerns over delays in fund flow and project execution.
“These funds are meant to provide clean drinking water, better sanitation and improved living conditions,” Anand said. “The government must ensure timely and full utilisation so Punjab can become a model state in urban services.”
