Mission Amrit Sarovar: Rejuvenating Water Bodies Nationwide

A meeting was conducted to assess the advancement and quality of Mission Amrit Sarovar, led by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development. The meeting included the participation of senior officials such as the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, and Secretary of Rural Development from all States/Union Territories, as well as State Nodal officers, District Magistrates, District Collectors, and Chief Executive Officers from over 700 districts. The purpose of the meeting was to review the progress, monitor the implementation, and ensure the effectiveness of Mission Amrit Sarovar.

About the Mission Amrit Sarovar

The Amrit Sarovar Mission was initiated on April 24, 2022, to ensure water conservation for future generations.

Objectives

• Its primary objective is to develop and revive 75 water bodies in every district of the country as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
• The mission aims to create approximately 50,000 water bodies, each covering an area of about one acre or more.
• It promotes the involvement of citizens and non-governmental resources to support and enhance these conservation efforts.

Ministries Involved

The Amrit Sarovar Mission involves the collaboration of six ministries/departments: the Department of Rural Development, the Department of Land Resources, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, the Department of Water Resources, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and the Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change.

Technical Partner

The Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) serves as the technical partner for the mission.

Collaboration with other schemes

The mission operates through states and districts by refocusing various schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), XV Finance Commission Grants, PMKSY sub-schemes like Watershed Development Component, Har Khet Ko Pani, and the states’ own schemes.

The goal of the Misson

• The Mission Amrit Sarovar is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2023.
• Approximately 50,000 Amrit Sarovar (water bodies) are planned to be constructed across the country.
• Each Amrit Sarovar will have an approximate area of 1 acre and a water holding capacity of 10,000 cubic meters.
• People’s participation is a key aspect of the mission’s implementation.
• Local freedom fighters, their family members, martyrs’ family members, Padma Awardees, and citizens of the respective local area where an Amrit Sarovar is to be constructed will be actively involved at all stages.
• On August 15th, National Flag hoisting ceremonies will be organized at each Amrit Sarovar site.

Achievements so far

• The Ministry of Rural Development is leading Mission Amrit Sarovar in collaboration with various ministries to achieve the goal of rainwater conservation and harvesting.
• A comprehensive action plan has been developed, focusing on renovating existing Amrit Sarovar and constructing new ones.
• The target of 50,000 Amrit Sarovar is achieved ahead of schedule due to the “whole of government” approach and active people participation.
• Through the collective efforts of district administration, Panchayat Raj officials, public representatives, panchayats, voluntary organizations, institutions, and public participation, a total of 105,243 sites have been identified as Amrit Sarovar by May 10, 2023.
  • Out of these, work has commenced at 72,297 sites, and 50,071 Amrit Sarovar have already been completed as part of the mission.

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