UD&PA and PHE Departments Sign Charter to Jointly Implement AMRUT and Swachh Bharat Schemes in Mizoram

Aizawl, Nov 2025 — The Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation (UD&PA) Department and the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department of Mizoram have signed a Charter of Convergence to jointly implement the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) schemes in the state. The signing ceremony was held at the Sewage Treatment Plant, Chite, Aizawl.

The event was graced by Pu K. Sapdanga, Minister for UD&PA, and Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of State for PHE. The Charter was signed by Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau, Secretary, UD&PA, and Pi Zodingpuii, Secretary, PHE, on behalf of their respective departments.

Minister Pu K. Sapdanga emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two departments to improve waste management, sanitation, and environmental safety. He noted that Aizawl currently consumes about 36 million liters of water per day, and the lack of proper drainage causes overflow and contamination. He added that the new initiative will ensure better wastewater treatment and recycling, leading to a cleaner and healthier city.

He also shared updates on the Storm Drain Project, mentioning an allocation of ₹61 crore for Aizawl city and ₹42 crore for other towns, expressing hope that the joint efforts of both departments would soon deliver visible results.

Prof. Lalnilawma, Minister of State for PHE, said that the signing of the Charter was a commendable step toward sustainable urban development. He stressed the need to educate the public about proper drainage and waste disposal and encouraged community participation. He also submitted a list of potential sites for rainwater harvesting tanks and non-functional public wells that could be revived.

The event was attended by officials from UD&PA, PHE, and the Bethlehem Vengthlang Local Council. Secretary Pu Lalmalsawma Pachuau highlighted the importance of efficient water distribution and wastewater management to make cities more livable. Pi Zodingpuii, Secretary, PHE, thanked the participants and closed the program.

According to a report presented by the Engineer-in-Chief, PHE, the Sewage Treatment Plant currently processes about 1 million liters of wastewater daily, though its capacity is 10 million liters per day.

Key Financial and Project Details:

• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) – ₹30.68 crore allocated for Solid Waste Management Centres (SWMC) in all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) – Establishment of Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMU) in rural development blocks.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Used Water Management Component – ₹88.84 crore, to be executed by PHE, with funding managed by UD&PA.
• AMRUT Mission – ₹157.78 crore allocated, with ₹45 crore already utilized from the first and partial second instalments.

Under AMRUT:

• Water Supply and Sewerage Management will be handled by the PHE Department.
• Water Body Rejuvenation and Green Spaces/Parks will be managed by the UD&PA Department.

The Charter aims to create an integrated approach between the two departments for efficient planning, technical collaboration, and resource sharing to enhance sanitation, water management, and urban infrastructure across Mizoram.