Over 68,000 ‘Amrit Sarovars’ Completed Nationwide: MoS Informs Lok Sabha
Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched in April 2022 with the goal of constructing or rejuvenating 75 ponds (Amrit Sarovars) in every district across the nation, has achieved substantial progress. As of March 20, over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars have been completed, contributing to alleviating water scarcity and improving surface and groundwater availability in several regions, according to a statement from the Minister of State (MoS) for Rural Development, Kamlesh Paswan, on Tuesday.
Each Amrit Sarovar covers approximately 1 acre, with a water-holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters, with special provisions for states with hilly terrain. These ponds are designed not only to meet immediate water needs but also to serve as sustainable water sources, reflecting the government’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability and community welfare.
Mission Amrit Sarovar has been implemented through convergence with other ongoing schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana, and 15th Finance Commission Grants, along with state-led initiatives. The scheme also encourages public contributions, including crowdfunding and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, to support the work.
Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar will focus on strengthening water availability with community participation, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting ecological balance. Key aspects of the mission include laying foundation stones by freedom fighters or martyrs’ families, public contributions for beautification, and celebrating national events at Sarovar sites.
To ensure the sustainable use and maintenance of the Sarovars, user groups consisting mainly of Self-Help Group (SHG) members are being formed. These groups are responsible for the upkeep of the Sarovars, including silt removal after monsoons and maintaining plantation activities.
State-wise No. of Amrit Sarovars completed so far
A state-wise breakdown of the number of Amrit Sarovars completed as of March 20, 2025, shows Uttar Pradesh leading the way with 16,630 Sarovars, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 5,839 and Karnataka with 4,056.
As of March 20, the state-wise completion of Amrit Sarovars is as follows:
Uttar Pradesh has completed 16,630 Amrit Sarovars, while Madhya Pradesh has completed 5,839. Karnataka has successfully completed 4,056, and Assam has 2,966 completed Amrit Sarovars. Bihar has achieved 2,613, Gujarat 2,650, and Rajasthan 3,138. In Maharashtra, 3,055 Amrit Sarovars have been completed, and Tamil Nadu has finished 2,487. Chhattisgarh has also contributed significantly with 2,902 completed Amrit Sarovars.
In total, 68,842 Amrit Sarovars have been completed, with the initiative playing a crucial role in fostering sustainable water resources and enhancing the resilience of local communities across the country.
