Review of Sewerage and Septage Coverage in Cities Under AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0

The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs (Chair: Mr. Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy) presented its report on ‘Review of Sewerage and Septage Coverage in Cities with special reference to interventions under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0)’ on August 04, 2026.  AMRUT was launched in 2015.  It was followed by AMRUT 2.0 in 2021, which has been extended up to March 2027.  These schemes aim to strengthen urban infrastructure.  The Committee evaluated the progress of sewerage and septage coverage under the scheme.  Key observations and recommendations include:

Slow progress of sewerage and septage projects:  The Committee noted that of the 594 sewerage and septage projects planned under AMRUT 2.0, 104 have been completed and 398 are under implementation.  Of the Rs 66,060 crore committed as central assistance, Rs 22,763 crore has been released (34%).  The Committee recommended: (i) stricter timelines and milestone-based monitoring, (ii) a comprehensive review of the financial progress, and (iii) corrective measures for states and cities facing delays in fund release or utilisation.

Gaps in sewer and septage coverage: The Committee noted that of the 11.3 crore urban households, 3.5 crore are connected to sewer networks.  Another 2.9 crore households depend on septage-based systems such as septic tanks.  68% of the surveyed septic tanks were not lined properly, increasing the risk of groundwater contamination.  It recommended: (i) strict enforcement of building bye-laws on septic tank construction, and technical sewerage standards, and (ii) training for contractors and masons.

Inadequate sewage treatment capacity:  The Committee noted variations in estimates of wastewater generation and treatment.  As per a 2022 NITI Aayog report, 28% of wastewater gets treated, whereas this figure is 43% as per the estimates by the Ministry.  Under AMRUT, 5,396 MLD of the 6,299 MLD treatment capacity taken up has been operationalised.  Under AMRUT 2.0, 658 MLD of the 6,815 MLD taken up has been operationalised.  Further, 192 lakh of the required 409 lakh households have been provided sewer connection or septage rehabilitation.  The Committee recommended: (i) annual wastewater generation-treatment balance sheet by urban local bodies, (ii) time-bound action plans to augment sewage treatment plants (STPs) and faecal sludge treatment plants, (iii) periodic review of delayed projects, and (iv) prioritising sewer networks and last-mile connections.

Resource recovery from sludge and septage:  The Committee noted that STPs with an installed capacity of about 31,885 MLD generate nearly 8,000 tonnes of dried sludge daily, while Faecal STPs generate about 32 tonnes of sludge per day.  Sludge refers to semi-solid residual waste left over after wastewater or faecal matter has been treated.  Treated sludge can be used for compost, fertilisers, soil conditioners, construction materials, and fuel, while methane generated during treatment can be used for energy generation.  The Committee noted that resource recovery remains at an emerging stage and recommended a framework covering suitable technologies, standards for safe reuse, and development of end-use markets.   

Increasing reuse of treated wastewater:  Against a treatment capacity of 22,891 MLD, 6,013 MLD of treated wastewater is being reused (26%).  It also noted absence of dedicated distribution infrastructure to supply treated wastewater to industries and farmers.  It recommended: (i) notification and implementation of treated wastewater reuse policies, (ii) periodic city-wise assessment of wastewater generation, treatment, quality, and reuse, (iii) dedicated distribution networks, and (iv) agreements with bulk users.

Safety of sanitation workers:  The Committee observed that despite a legal ban on hazardous manual cleaning of sewers and septic tanks, unsafe manual intervention continues.  It also noted a lack of data on protective equipment, occupational safety compliance, and worker welfare.  The Committee recommended: (i) time-bound adoption of mechanised sewer and septage cleaning, (ii) tracking availability of safety gear, (iii) strict penal action for non-compliance, and (iv) ensuring minimum wages, health insurance, and social security for sanitation workers.