The latest development in The Amrit Sarovar Mission, which was launched as a part of India’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebration for the 75th year of independence, is the construction of over 30,000 Amrit Sarovars in just nine months. With an initial target of 50,000 Sarovars set to be accomplished by August 15, 2023, the mission is currently ahead of schedule with 60% of the objective being fulfilled.
About the Amrit Sarovar Mission
Initiated on April 24, 2022, the Amrit Sarovar Mission aims to build or rejuvenate at least 75 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) in each district across India. It is an ambitious project to address the persistent water crisis in rural sections of the country, ensuring these regions have access to safe, clean and plentiful water.
Amrit Sarovar Mission: An Inter-ministerial Initiative
The mission is a comprehensive endeavor that unites six essential central government Ministries, which work in collaboration with technical organizations and regional governments. These include the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N) is also a key technical partner in this mission.
The Essence of People’s Participation
One of the defining features of this mission is the concept of Jan Bhagidari, which underscores the importance of public participation at all levels. Embracing this approach, states and union territories have mobilized various community figures, including freedom fighters, respected elders of the panchayat, family members of freedom fighters and martyrs, as well as Padma Awardees.
Innovative Measures in the Amrit Sarovar Mission
The mission is not just about construction but also innovation. The Ministries of Railways and Road Transport and Highways are creatively utilizing the excavated soil/silt from the Sarovar sites for infrastructure projects nearby. Furthermore, both public and corporate social responsibility (CSR) bodies are making significant contributions to the construction and rejuvenation of several Amrit Sarovars across the country.
Fostering Rural Livelihood
The completed Sarovars serve more than one purpose. Beyond supplying water, they are acting as catalysts for rural livelihoods by promoting activities like irrigation, fisheries, duckery, water chestnut cultivation and animal husbandry. These activities are being undertaken by distinct user groups associated with each Amrit Sarovar, further strengthening community involvement and rural economies.
Examining the Objectives of Green India Mission
In understanding the breadth of India’s environmental initiatives, it’s worth reviewing previous questions from the UPSC Civil Services Examination. An example from 2016 asked examinees to identify the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India. It highlighted the government’s focus on incorporating environmental benefits into budgets, enhancing agricultural output for food security, and restoring forest cover to respond to climate change.