New Delhi, Aug 4 (IANS): The urban development ministry on Tuesday released about Rs.120 crore to states and union territories for the preparation of Service Level Improvement Plans (SLIP) for each of the 482 cities identified under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

"In first release of funds under the Atal Mission, each city has been given an advance assistance of Rs.25 lakh for preparation of SLIP," a ministry statement said here.

SLIP for each selected city/town should identify the gaps in the provision of water supply and sewerage connections and draw up detailed plans for bridging the gaps, the statement added.

Ministry Secretary Madhusudan Prasad has written to all state chief secretaries urging them to send state annual action plans at the earliest.

The ministry has so far identified 482 cities and towns each with a population of above one lakh under AMRUT.

Under AMRUT, the primary purpose is to cover all urban households with water supply and sewerage, including septage, before taking up other projects related to stormwater drains, urban transport and provision of public and green spaces.