Bhubaneswar, April 7 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, Odisha has established itself as a frontrunner in the nation's urban development landscape, clinching the top spot for its effective execution and service delivery under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.

Launched in October 2021 and set to run until March 2027, AMRUT 2.0 is designed to ensure universal access to water, revitalization of water bodies, and enhancement of urban infrastructure throughout cities.

As per an official announcement, Odisha has distinguished itself by achieving first place nationwide for the successful rollout of the AMRUT 2.0 initiative.

The state has made notable progress across 89 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with a total of 345 projects sanctioned at an estimated investment of Rs 4030.18 crore, focusing on water supply and the rejuvenation of water bodies.

According to the state government, 99 projects under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme have already been finalized, while the rest are moving ahead through various stages of implementation.

Odisha's Housing and Urban Development department has reported near-total utilization of available funds, showcasing effective financial planning and project execution.

Significant improvements in urban water infrastructure have been made under AMRUT 2.0. The state has inaugurated seven Water Treatment Plants with a cumulative capacity of 43 MLD, benefiting 2.83 lakh residents.

Moreover, 24/7 water supply systems have been activated in key urban areas, and over 2.7 lakh household water connections have been established.

In total, these initiatives have positively impacted more than five lakh urban residents.

Expressing pride in this achievement, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the Housing and Urban Development Minister, stated, "Achieving the top ranking in AMRUT 2.0 illustrates Odisha's dedicated approach to ensuring dependable water access and enhanced urban infrastructure. Our goal remains steadfast: to provide every household with safe water, establish efficient systems in every city, and empower every ULB to deliver superior services. We are committed to developing cities that are resilient, inclusive, and prepared for the future, in line with the vision of a Viksit Odisha."

The department also highlighted that through the Pay Jal Survekshan and Jai Hi AMRUT programs, Odisha has received incentives and is advancing projects aimed at better water management and reuse.

Community-focused initiatives, such as the AMRUT Mitra and Women for Tree programs, have further bolstered environmental sustainability through plantation drives and waterbody revitalization efforts carried out by women self-help groups.