Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as the best State in the country in implementation of AMRUT scheme.

“It is heartening to share that Odisha continues to be the top performer in the country in effective implementation of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme”, said the State urban minister Pratap Jena, here on Monday.

According to the ranking of the States released by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, Odisha has retained its 1st position by securing 85.67 per cent of marks.

Since the inception of the mission, launched in 2015, concentrated efforts have been made towards Universal Coverage of Water supply, construction of Septage / Sewerage treatment plants and improving the green spaces in the 9 AMRUT cities of Odisha.

Out of total 191 nos. projects grounded, 148 projects are completed and the rest are likely to be completed well within the Mission period of March 2021.

Odisha has made significant strides in providing piped water supply to all households in urban areas. With the implementation of AMRUT Mission in 9 cities of Odisha, Universal Coverage of Piped Water Supply has been ensured.The cities are Bhubaneswar,Cuttack, Sambalpur,Rourkella,BaripadaBalasore,Bhadrak,Berhampur and Puri .

All 9 AMRUT cities are ensured to have 100% piped water network coverage by December 2020.

Two Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) at Rourkela and Bhubaneswar have been commissioned. Four more WTPs will come up in other cities. For effective storage & management of water 89 ESRs and GSRs are being constructed.

In the uncovered areas of AMRUT cities, 1.23 lakhs house hold connections already provided.

Eight 8 SeTPs are commissioned and are operational in AMRUT Cities of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Baripada, Balasore, Berhampur and Puri. The Sewerage Treatment Plant in Bhubaneswar has been commissioned and Sambalpur and Rourkela Sewerage Projects are nearing completion.

Out of total.110, 85 parks are completed and opened for public with well-conceived landscaping and rejuvenation facilities, Open Gym, Jogging trails and Child Play Equipment.

Earlier, Odisha had qualified for national incentive on achievement of reform milestones for 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18.