Indian Railways Partners with Mission Amrit Sarovar to Combat Water Scarcity.

National

In March 2025, Indian Railways (IR) announced its collaboration with Mission Amrit Sarovar to tackle the critical issue of water scarcity across India. Under this collaboration, IR will assist in desilting, excavating, or constructing new Amrit Sarovars (ponds) near railway lines.


      - A significant number of ponds are expected to be rejuvenated or constructed by 15 August 2025.

      - For implementation, IR will coordinate with district authorities to identify suitable sites for creating new water bodies near railway worksites and with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for effective execution.

     

Main Point :-   (i) Mission Amrit Sarovar, launched on 24 April 2022, aims to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of India, with a total target of 50,000 ponds nationwide. As of October 2024, over 68,000 ponds have been completed, enhancing surface and groundwater availability across various regions.

      (ii) Phase II of the Mission focuses on ensuring water availability, promoting community participation (Jan Bhagidaari), and strengthening climate resilience and ecological balance.

(iii) Every Amrit Sarovar will have a pondage area of at least 1 acre (0.4 hectares) with a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters, surrounded by trees such as Neem, Banyan, etc.

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