The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has awarded Jabalpur a prestigious 5-star rating in 2025 ‘Jal Hi Amrit’ national water survey under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) Scheme. Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and Municipal Commissioner Preeti Yadav informed that the city received top rating for its efficient wastewater treatment facilities including 34 MLD (million liters per day) STP at Lalpur and 32 MLD STP at Kathonda. These plants were evaluated based on the concept of ‘Swachh Jal Credit’ which assesses quantity and quality of treated sewage water.

 

The survey was conducted by an expert team appointed by the Central Government, which inspected operations and performance of two sewage treatment plants. Based on their findings, Sanskardhani is granted 5-star recognition. In addition to the rating, the city has been awarded Rs 8 crore as an incentive to further improve its sewage treatment infrastructure. Both the Mayor and Municipal Commissioner congratulated concerned officials, employees and encouraged them to continue working with the same commitment toward clean water and city development. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has launched ‘Jal Hi AMRIT’ initiative under AMRUT 2.0 scheme to improve sewage treatment and promote reuse of treated wastewater in urban areas.

 

Introduced on October 1, 2021, the initiative will run till 2025-26 with a total budget of Rs 1,300 crore, i.e. Rs 600 crore allocated for 2024-25 and Rs 700 crore for 2025-26. The programme aims to encourage states and Union Territories to operate Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) efficiently and produce high-quality, recyclable water. Under the scheme, STPs are evaluated and given ‘Clean Water Credits’ based on their performance, rated from 3 to 5 stars. Plants securing at least a 3-star rating qualify for financial incentives. The evaluation considers quantity and quality of treated sewage, adherence to environmental standards and plant’s ability to produce reusable water. Urban local bodies and agencies that manage STPs can use incentives to further improve their infrastructure. The initiative not only supports water conservation and environmental protection but also promotes sustainable urban water management. It plays a key role in ensuring cities become water-secure by adopting a circular economy approach to wastewater use.