In News:

• The Amrit Sarovar Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2022, is a flagship initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable rural development across India.
• The mission seeks to construct or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) in each district, as part of the celebrations of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• As of 2025, the government has reported the creation of over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars nationwide, marking a significant milestone in water conservation and community engagement.

Objectives and Significance

The mission’s primary objectives include:

• Water conservation and management in rural areas.
• Enhancement of local livelihoods through irrigation, fisheries, duckery, cultivation of water chestnut, and water-based tourism.
• Promotion of social cohesion by establishing Amrit Sarovars as community gathering points.
• Integration of government initiatives through a “Whole of Government” approach, ensuring convergence of resources and expertise.

Each Amrit Sarovar is designed to have a minimum pondage area of one acre with a water-holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic metres. Surrounding vegetation typically includes trees such as Neem, Peepal, and Banyan, contributing to ecological sustainability and enhancing biodiversity.

Participatory and Institutional Framework

The site selection and supervision of Amrit Sarovars are conducted by Gram Sabhas, with Panchayat representatives overseeing the development. This participatory approach ensures that local communities have ownership and accountability for the maintenance and sustainable use of water resources.

The mission operates on convergence principles, utilizing funds and resources from multiple sources including:

• Mahatma Gandhi NREGS
• 15th Finance Commission Grants
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) sub-schemes, such as Watershed Development and Har Khet Ko Pani
• State government schemes

There is no separate financial allocation for the mission; rather, it leverages ongoing programs for maximum impact.

Technology and Monitoring

To ensure efficient implementation and progress tracking, the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) has been engaged as a technical partner. The institute has developed the Amrit Sarovar Portal and Mobile App, which enables real-time monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of district-level activities.

Workshops and Capacity Building

The Ministry of Rural Development organized a national workshop in New Delhi to reinforce the mission’s technical foundations and promote community-driven sustainable practices. Officials from states and Union Territories discussed strategies to enhance technical capacity, innovation, and inter-departmental collaboration, paving the way for the next phase of the mission.

Impact and Prospects

The Amrit Sarovar Mission exemplifies integrated rural development, linking water security, ecological sustainability, and livelihood generation. By reviving traditional water bodies and creating new ponds, it contributes to groundwater recharge, climate resilience, and rural prosperity. The initiative also strengthens people’s participation in natural resource management, ensuring that water resources are used efficiently and sustainably.

As the mission progresses, it is expected to play a critical role in mitigating rural water crises, enhancing agricultural productivity, and fostering inclusive growth in India’s villages.