Mission Amrit Sarovar: Paving the Way for India's Water Sustainability

January 23, 2024

4 Minutes

Mission Amrit Sarovar

Introduction

Water is not just a resource; it's the lifeline of civilizations. In India, a land of diverse geographies and cultures, managing water resources effectively is vital for the nation's prosperity. Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on April 24, 2022, stands as a monumental initiative in this regard. Let's dive deep into understanding this mission and its impact.

The Genesis of the Mission

Mission Amrit Sarovar was initiated on a significant day in India's history. Launched on April 24, 2022, as a part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, this mission symbolizes a step towards securing India's water future on the 75th year of its independence.

The core objective of this initiative was straightforward yet ambitious: to create or rejuvenate 75 water bodies, named 'Amrit Sarovars', in each district across the country. The overarching goal of this endeavor is to tackle the pressing issue of water scarcity and ensure the availability of this vital resource for the future generations. 

Progress and Milestones

As of November 28, 2023, the mission's progress is notable:

Commenced Works: Over 83,531 projects started.

Completed Works: Approximately 68,119 projects finished.

This surpasses the initial target of creating 50,000 Amrit Sarovars across the country, showcasing the mission's dedication and efficacy.

The Collaborative Framework

Mission Amrit Sarovar is not just a government initiative; it's a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. Key contributors include:

Central Ministries and Departments: Rural Development, Land Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Water Resources, Panchayati Raj, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Railways, and Road Transport & Highways.

Technical Partner: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), aiding with geospatial data and technology.

Bridging the Resource Gap

To ensure the mission's success, it leverages existing schemes and financial grants such as:

1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
3. State-specific Initiatives

These resources are channeled to fund and support the construction and rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars.

Key Features of Mission Amrit Sarovar

1. Holistic Involvement

• Multi-Ministry Collaboration: The mission engages various ministries such as Rural Development, Water Resources, and Environment, ensuring a multifaceted approach to water management.
• Technical Partnerships: Collaboration with technical organizations like the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) ensures the use of advanced geospatial technology for planning and execution.

2. District-Level Focus

• Targeted Implementation: Every district in India is responsible for constructing or rejuvenating at least 75 Amrit Sarovars, ensuring nationwide coverage and impact.
• Customized Solutions: Districts can tailor their approach based on local geographical and climatic conditions, making the mission adaptable and effective.

3. Sustainable Design

• Size and Capacity: Each Sarovar is designed with a minimum area and water holding capacity, ensuring significant impact on local water conservation.
• Environmental Integration: The inclusion of green spaces around the Sarovars enhances biodiversity, creating micro-habitats and promoting ecological balance.

4. Local Participation

• Community Engagement: By involving local communities, the mission fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the Sarovars, leading to better maintenance and sustainability.
• Non-Governmental Involvement: Collaboration with NGOs and other organizations brings in additional expertise and resources, amplifying the mission's impact.

5. Broader Impact

• Transforming Water Management: The creation and rejuvenation of Sarovars are about more than just water conservation; they aim to transform the overall water management practices in India.
• Livelihood Enhancement: Activities like irrigation, fisheries, and even tourism around these Sarovars open up new avenues for local income generation, enhancing rural livelihoods.
• Long-term Sustainability: Ensuring water availability for future generations, the mission contributes to the sustainable development goals, particularly those related to water and environment.

Diverse Challenges in Implementing Mission Amrit Sarovar Across States

1. Arid and Semi-Arid Regions:

• Challenge: Scarcity of Water and High Evaporation Rates.
• States Impacted: Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat.
• Focus: Innovative water conservation and storage techniques are essential. Traditional methods like 'johads' and 'tankas' can be vital, alongside modern rainwater harvesting systems.

2. Flood-Prone Areas:

• Challenge: Managing Excess Water and Preventing Soil Erosion.
• States Impacted: Bihar, Assam, West Bengal.
• Focus: Designing Amrit Sarovars that can act as buffers during floods, alongside strengthening embankments and integrating with existing water management systems.

3. Coastal Regions:

• Challenge: Salinity Intrusion and Impact of Cyclones.
• States Impacted: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal.
• Focus: Ensuring freshwater availability without exacerbating salinity issues. Constructing robust water bodies that can withstand cyclonic storms and coastal erosion.

4. High Population Density Areas:

• Challenge: Land Availability and Pollution Control.
• States Impacted: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, parts of Bihar.
• Focus: Identifying suitable land for Amrit Sarovars, ensuring they do not encroach upon agricultural land, and managing industrial and domestic pollution.

5. Regions with Traditional Water Management Systems:

• Challenge: Integration with Existing Practices and Modernization.
• States Impacted: Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
• Focus: Harmonizing new water bodies with traditional systems like 'step wells' and 'kunds'. Modernizing these systems while preserving their cultural significance.

Conclusion

For UPSC aspirants, understanding Mission Amrit Sarovar is not just about preparing for exams. It's about grasping how such initiatives shape India's future. This mission stands as a testimony to India's commitment to sustainability and community-driven development.

As we conclude, let's remember that every drop of water saved today is a step towards a more prosperous and water-secure tomorrow. Mission Amrit Sarovar is more than a government initiative; it's a movement towards a sustainable and thriving India.

Practice Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1: Consider the following statements about Mission Amrit Sarovar:

A. The mission was launched as a part of the celebrations for the 100th year of India's independence.

B. It aims to construct or rejuvenate at least 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district across India.

C. Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) is the technical partner for the mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A and B only
2. B and C only
3. A and C only
4. B only

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the achievements of Mission Amrit Sarovar as of November 28, 2023:

A. Over 50,000 Amrit Sarovar projects were completed.

B. The initiative surpassed its initial target of constructing 50,000 Amrit Sarovars.

C. The mission was exclusively led by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A and B only
2. B and C only
3. A and C only
4. B only

Q3 Consider the following statements about the operational aspects of Mission Amrit Sarovar:

A. The mission involves the participation of eight central ministries and departments.

B. Each Amrit Sarovar is designed to have a pondage area of at least 2 acres.

C. The mission encourages the involvement of freedom fighters and their families.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A and B only
2. B and C only
3. A and C only
4. C only

Mains Question

Q: Discuss the significance of Mission Amrit Sarovar in the context of water conservation and sustainable development in India. Evaluate the impact of this mission on rural livelihoods and ecological balance.

Model Answer

Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on April 24, 2022, represents a critical step towards water conservation and sustainable development in India. In a country grappling with water scarcity and uneven distribution, this mission's significance cannot be overstated. It aims to create or rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district, enhancing water security and ecological balance.

1. Water Conservation and Sustainable Development:

• Augmenting Water Resources: By creating and revitalizing water bodies, the mission directly contributes to increasing water availability, crucial for agriculture, drinking, and other uses.
• Sustainable Practices: The focus on traditional methods of water conservation ensures sustainable use of resources, aligning with the principles of sustainable development.

2. Impact on Rural Livelihoods:

• Enhanced Agricultural Opportunities: The increased water availability boosts agricultural productivity, providing a stable source of income for farmers.
• Diversification of Income: Activities like fisheries, duck rearing, and tourism around these water bodies open up additional income avenues for rural communities.

3. Ecological Balance:

• Biodiversity Conservation: The rejuvenated water bodies serve as habitats for various flora and fauna, thereby promoting biodiversity.
• Climate Resilience: These water bodies help in groundwater recharge and maintaining local climate, making rural areas more resilient to climatic changes.

Conclusion

Mission Amrit Sarovar is not just a water conservation initiative; it's a catalyst for sustainable development, rural prosperity, and ecological balance. It embodies the ethos of community participation and traditional wisdom, making it a model project in India's journey towards sustainable development. The mission’s success will be a significant milestone in ensuring water security and a testimony to India's commitment to building a resilient and prosperous future.