Consider the following statements:
1. The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to eradicate open defecation and improve solid waste management.
2. The Smart Cities Mission focuses on sustainable and inclusive development to create a replicable model for other cities.
3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme was launched on 01 October 2022 for the period of 05 years i.e. from the financial year 2022-23 to the financial year 2026-27.
Which of the statements above is/are correct?
​

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

1. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched on October 2, 2014, aims to eliminate open defecation and promote scientific solid waste management across India. ​
2. The Smart Cities Mission focuses on sustainable and inclusive development, aiming to create replicable models for other cities by developing compact areas that act as lighthouses for other aspiring cities. ​
3. The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 was launched on October 1, 2021, for a period of five years, i.e., from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26. ​

Information Booster:

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Overview

Launched by the Government of India on 2nd October 2014, the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to ensure universal sanitation coverage and promote cleanliness across the country. It has two main components:

• SBM-Gramin (rural) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
• SBM-Urban under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)

The initial goal was to make all Indian villages, districts, states, and union territories open defecation free (ODF) by 2nd October 2019, marking Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.

Achievements of SBM

• One of the world’s largest cleanliness initiatives, SBM has significantly improved sanitation standards in both rural and urban areas.
• It has led to 100% ODF status in many regions and widespread Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) coverage.

SBM Urban 2.0: Key Highlights

Launched in 2021, SBM Urban 2.0 focuses on clearing approximately 2,400 legacy landfill sites across India by 2025–2026.

Legacy Waste Management

• Legacy sites are old, unscientifically managed landfills.
• Cities must submit action plans for bioremediation to the MoHUA to secure funding.
• The waste is processed into:
• Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for energy plants,
• Recycled construction material,
• Bio-soil for road construction.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

• Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims to ensure that basic civic amenities such as water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green public spaces are accessible to all citizens—especially the poor and disadvantaged.
• The mission prioritizes the creation of urban infrastructure that directly enhances the quality of life in cities.