Mission Amrit Sarovar: Reviving India’s Water Bodies for a Sustainable Future

Addressing Rural Water Scarcity

Mission Amrit Sarovar: Reviving India’s Water Bodies for a Sustainable Future: Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched in April 2022 with a vision to combat water scarcity in India’s rural regions. The initiative aims to construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds per district, targeting 50,000 ponds nationwide. As of January 2025, the mission has surpassed expectations, with over 68,000 ponds completed. This effort reflects India’s growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Implementation in Phases

The mission is rolled out in phases. The initial phase focused on rapid construction and rejuvenation. Moving forward, Phase II will emphasise community participation to ensure long-term sustainability. By engaging local stakeholders, the mission aims to embed a culture of water stewardship in every district.

Multi-Ministry Collaboration

A key strength of the mission is its inter-ministerial coordination. Eight central ministries, including the Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Water Resources, are involved. Technical support is being provided by Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), which helps in tracking progress and planning future actions.

Technology at the Core

Technology plays a central role in identifying and managing water resources. Through the use of geospatial data, authorities can pinpoint ideal locations for constructing or rejuvenating ponds. This improves efficiency and ensures that water bodies are created where they are most needed.

Noteworthy Progress

By early 2025, the mission had identified more than 81,000 potential water bodies, with 66,000+ completed. This achievement shows strong implementation momentum. States like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have emerged as leaders in pushing forward district-level targets, showcasing the mission’s effectiveness across regions.

Bridging Gaps and Challenges

Despite overall success, some states still face hurdles such as resource limitations and land availability. To overcome these, funds and manpower are being mobilised through schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). State-specific programs also supplement resources to accelerate pond rejuvenation.

Community Engagement Drives Ownership

The mission promotes grassroots involvement, encouraging villagers, NGOs, and local panchayats to participate. This fosters a sense of ownership among the people and ensures the maintenance and protection of these newly created water sources.

Vision for a Water-Secure Future

Mission Amrit Sarovar is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a step towards water sustainability. With improved livelihood opportunities, better irrigation support, and community resilience, the initiative promises a better water future. It also reinforces the value of joint responsibility in preserving natural resources for generations to come.

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