Amid the challenges of climate change and declining groundwater levels, villages in UP are gaining a robust shield of permanent water security. Mission Amrit Sarovar, which began in April 2022, has given new momentum to rural development.
The construction of Amrit Sarovars (sacred ponds) is being carried out rapidly across the state. So far, the construction of more than 19,111 Amrit Sarovars has been completed in the state, while work is in progress at over 25,000 sites. This has placed the state among the leading states in the country.
The Amrit Sarovars are being constructed by the Rural Development Department on a minimum area of one acre, with a water holding capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic metres.
Old ponds and natural water bodies are being scientifically revived, which includes developing appropriate slopes, reinforced embankments, and rainwater harvesting structures.
A green belt of medicinal, fruit-bearing, and shady local trees such as Neem, Peepal, Banyan, and Arjun is being developed around the ponds. This strengthens the environmental balance and also enables effective control of soil erosion.