Raipur has become the first city in Chhattisgarh to earn a 4-star rating under the Government of India’s Jal Hi Jeevan programme, a significant achievement aimed at promoting efficient water reuse. The city received the first installment of its incentive, amounting to Rs 6.13 crore, on Thursday, March 20. The Jal Hi Jeevan programme, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme, incentivizes states to adopt sustainable water management practices. The ministry released a total of Rs 11.38 crore to Chhattisgarh for its 11 operational Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). Raipur Municipal Corporation is slated to receive a total of Rs 8.75 crore for its four STPs.

 

The initial installment of Rs 6.13 crore was disbursed on March 20, 2025, marking Raipur as the state’s first 4-star rated city. The city’s STP infrastructure includes a 6 MLD capacity plant in Bhathagaon, built under the Environment Department’s capital project at a cost of Rs 5.83 crore. Additionally, three 90 MLD, 35 MLD, and 75 MLD capacity STPs were constructed in Nimora, Kara, and Chandanidih villages, respectively, under the AMRUT Mission scheme, with a combined cost of Rs 235 crore. These STPs undergo continuous operation and were inspected by a third-party agency appointed by the Government of India. The Bhathagaon STP received a 3-star rating, while the Nimora, Kara, and Chandanidih STPs were awarded 4 stars. Raipur Municipal Corporation plans to utilize the incentive funds to enhance STP management, optimize recyclable treated water production, improve energy efficiency, and ensure the STPs are upgraded with the latest technology. This achievement underscores Raipur’s commitment to sustainable water resource management and its position as a leader in Chhattisgarh’s urban development.