HYDERABAD: Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the GHMC and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will soon be engaged in maintaining public parks, playgrounds, and managing aspects of water infrastructure under the ‘AMRUT Mitra’ initiative. Officials said the initiative aims to empower women by involving SHGs in water quality testing, infrastructure operations and maintenance and the upkeep of public recreational spaces.
The project is a collaborative effort under AMRUT 2.0, involving Telangana Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) and Telangana Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDC).
The MAUD department has directed all municipal commissioners, the additional commissioner (GHMC-UCD) and MEPMA project directors to submit AMRUT Mitra proposals by May 5. These should detail how the SHGs will take up maintenance of parks, playgrounds, and technical O&M of water and sewerage infrastructure. Once approved, funds will be disbursed to SHG accounts.
As per AMRUT 2.0 guidelines, SHGs are expected to play a critical role in water demand management, quality testing, and day-to-day operations. MEPMA, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), will lead the training and mobilisation of SHGs. They will also manage daily park maintenance tasks such as cleanliness, inventory keeping, tree plantation and wall art promoting water conservation, folk stories or AMRUT 2.0 themes.
The sub-scheme will run parallel to the AMRUT 2.0 Mission. Extensions can be given to well-performing SHGs based on evaluations by the state or ULBs using a prescribed checklist. Project durations can be tailored to local needs, but the combined value of projects allotted to a single SHG must not exceed Rs 30 lakh per annum.
Officials said the initiative not only enhances urban water supply and services but also creates sustainable livelihoods and improves the socio-economic status of women. It fosters a sense of ownership, encourages responsible water use, and raises community awareness about water conservation.
To create livelihood
Officials said the initiative not only enhances urban water supply and services but also creates sustainable livelihoods and improves the socio-economic status of women