Amrit Sarovar

Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on April 24, 2022, aims to address water scarcity in India by constructing or rejuvenating 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district. These ponds, with a minimum 1-acre area and 10,000 cubic meters water capacity, symbolize efforts during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The mission adopts a "Whole of Government" approach and involves various ministries and technical organizations. Monitoring through an app and geo-tagging ensures accountability. Ultimately, these ponds contribute to water sustainability, commemorating 75 years of Independence and fostering environmental stewardship.

Water, an essential natural resource, is abundant on Earth, covering two-thirds of its surface. However, only a small fraction, about two to three percent, is actually suitable for human use. Presently, numerous countries, India included, are grappling with severe water scarcity issues. Recognizing this challenge, the Prime Minister has advocated for the creation of 75 ponds, known as Amrit Sarovars, in every district across the nation.

Mission Amrit Sarovar was inaugurated on April 24, 2022, with the primary goal of preserving water resources for future generations. The mission's objective was to construct or restore 75 Amrit Sarovars (Ponds) in every district nationwide, resulting in approximately 50,000 such ponds across the country. These Amrit Sarovars serve as a tangible representation of efforts undertaken during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

• Objective
  • The objective of the Mission is for each district in the country to either construct or rejuvenate a minimum of 75 Amrit Sarovars.
  • Each Amrit Sarovar is expected to have a pond area of at least 1 acre, with a water holding capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic meters.
• “Whole of Government” approach:
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar adopts a "Whole of Government" approach, involving collaboration from various ministries including the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. Additionally, technical organizations are also engaged in the implementation process of the mission.
• Implementation Strategy
  • Each Amrit Sarovar will be encircled by trees such as Neem, Peepal, and Banyan, among others.
  • Each Amrit Sarovar will serve as hub for generating livelihood opportunities through various means, including irrigation, fisheries, duck farming, water chestnut cultivation, water tourism, and other activities.
  • Additionally, the Amrit Sarovars will function as social gathering points within their respective localities.
  • Amrit Sarovar Portal and Mobile App: To monitor the progress and performance of Mission Amrit Sarovar at the district level, an Amrit Sarovar Portal and Mobile App will be developed by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geomatics-National (BISAG-N)
  • Geo-tagging : All constructed or rejuvenated Amrit Sarovars will undergo geo-tagging at three distinct phases: before construction, during construction, and upon completion of asset creation. This will be facilitated through the GeoMGNREGA app of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
  • The core focus of Mission Amrit Sarovar lies in water conservation, fostering community participation, and utilizing soil excavated from the water bodies to support infrastructure projects.
• Peoples’ Participation
  • Each Amrit Sarovar site serves as a venue for flag hoisting ceremonies every Independence Day. Mission Amrit Sarovar involves the participation of freedom fighters, their families, martyrs' families, and Padma awardees.
  • The mission is a tangible representation of actions taken during the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav
• Resources / Funds
  • Mission Amrit Sarovar operates through collaboration with states and districts, leveraging convergence from a variety of schemes including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), 15th Finance Commission Grants, and sub-schemes of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojna such as the Watershed Development Component and ‘Har Khet ko Pani’.
  • Additionally, states may utilize their own schemes to support the mission.
  • Furthermore, public contributions, including crowdfunding and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, are encouraged and permitted to support the mission's objectives.
• Use of soil/silt excavated from sites
  • The Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and other relevant public agencies involved in infrastructure project development are also engaged in Mission Amrit Sarovar. Their participation is focused on utilizing the soil/silt excavated from the Amrit Sarovars for various purposes related to infrastructure development

The development of Amrit Sarovars will significantly contribute to increasing the availability of water, both on the surface and underground. These ponds serve as vital sources of water that sustain various ecosystems and support groundwater recharge. Moreover, the construction and rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars symbolize constructive actions dedicated to the country during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, commemorating 75 years of Independence from colonial rule.

By creating sustainable and long-term productive assets, Amrit Sarovars benefit both sentient beings and the environment. They serve as tangible reminders of our commitment to preserving natural resources and fostering environmental sustainability for future generations