As the most populous country in the world, India can access just 4 percent of the earth's fresh water and still, however, the situation could become worse in the coming time. The stakes are now so high that it is leading to interstate conflict over freshwater bodies originating from rivers of inter-state nature.

To solve the water crisis in India, the Indian government has launched the Amrit Sarovar project or Mission Amrit Sarovar scheme. The mission strives to restore the ecological balance and spiritual significance of these water bodies.

What Is Mission Amrit Sarovar Scheme?

Starting on April 24, 2022, Mission Amrit Sarovar scheme is part of India’s celebration for the 75th anniversary “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The initiative targets to develop or maintain a minimum of 75 Amrit Sarovars in each district of India.

This will reduce the water problem of villages. The purpose of this mission is to ensure there is sufficient water available to every district. The amrit sarovar mission is done by eight different ministries and departments together.

Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) will act as a technical partner in this program. BISAG-N will help with the essential technological tools and geospatial data to locate and restore all the Amrit Sarovar.

Also read: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan Scheme for Farmers

Why Do We Need The Amrit Sarovar Scheme?

India is struggling with a serious water problem. The amount of freshwater available to each person has decreased over the years, from 6,042 cubic metres in 1947 to a minimum of about 1,486 square metres at the end of the year (2021), illogically leading to an estimated loss rate of more than three-fourths. That's around 75 per cent less than eighty-four years ago!

The enormous decline is due to rapidly growing urbanisation and huge industrial expansion, as well as environmental degradation in agriculture.

The situation is disastrous and more than 10% of the lakes in rural India are either dried up or inaccessible due to problems like water shortage, siltation and salinization. The government has launched the Amrit Sarovar Mission to tackle this serious problem.

Benefits Of Mission Amrit Sarovar

Here are the few benefits of Mission Amrit Sarovar scheme:-

• Conservation and Rejuvenation: Removing pollutants to purify the sacred water bodies, making better water quality and increasing their aesthetic and recreational value.

• Ecological Restoration: Promoting biodiversity to redress the ecological balance in the surrounding environment by improving soil health and generally enhancing environmental quality.

• Cultural Implications on the Global Stage: Preserving the spiritual significance of these waters through religious and cultural practice.

• Improved Water Quality: Improved water quality which is essential for human consumption, agriculture, and the ecosystem through amrit sarovar scheme.

• Cultural Heritage is Conserved: The cultural heritage and spiritual significance of those placed water bodies are preserved.

Also read: Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme: Eligibility, Benefits, And Application Process

Plan of Implementation: Mission Amrit Sarovar

The implementation strategy for Mission Amrit Sarovar includes

• Identification and selection of 75 sacred water bodies across the country based on their ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance through this govt mission.

• Preparation of detailed plans and designs for each water body, including restoration and rejuvenation works; construction of facilities; and development of community engagement strategies.

• Implementing the plans and designs through government departments, NGOs and grassroots organisations.

• Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the mission’s progress including evaluation of water quality, biodiversity, and community participation.

Conclusion

With this mission, the government wants to bring about sustainable change in the environment and the culture of society. Yes, all these changes are long-term, but a crisis of this magnitude cannot be solved with lip service and short-sighted solutions. Even if the goals are daunting, they are not unattainable.

To learn more about this govt scheme, click here, Call 011-23383553 or send an email to jsppm-mord@gov.in.

To know more about such govt schemes and information, stay connected to Jaagruk Bharat. You can also share your thoughts or ask questions with us by reaching our community page.