GANDHINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his "Mann ki Baat" of April 2022, called upon the citizens to construct 75 Amrut Sarovar in every district of the country as part of water conservation initiative.
As India celebrates "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", the PM encouraged everyone to pledge for saving water. Under the leadership of Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, the state government has crossed the target.
2,652 Amrut Sarovars have been identified in the state out of which the construction of 2,612 has been successfully completed against the initial target of 2,475.
The PM had appealed to build at least 75 Amrut Sarovars in all districts. Each of these Amrut Sarovars was to be constructed across an area of 1 acre (0.4 hectares). It will have a storage capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters of water. It is also important that there should be public participation along with water conservation as the purpose is to promote the spirit of cooperation. For this, public programs will also be organized in Amrut Sarovar in the coming months.
Recently, during the celebration of the 9th International Yoga Day 2023, more than 65,000 people participated in the celebrations at 1,597 Amrut Sarovars across the state. Health camps were also organized on 1st July at several Amrut Sarovars. The district administration has interacted with representatives of local bodies and village leaders to highlight the benefits of Amrut Sarovar.
Priority accorded to villages of freedom fighters and martyrs
Preference has been given to Sarovars located in the villages of freedom fighters and martyrs. Trees like Neem, Peepal, Banyan, etc. were planted in 665 Amrut Sarovar by the freedom fighter or his/her family on 15th August as a tribute.
Soil from Amrut Sarovar used for the construction of highways and farming
Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) in Surendranagar; Rajkot Doubling Project; Ahmedabad-Mehsana Track Development, Ahmedabad-Dholera Express Highway, National Highway-27, Delhi-Vadodara Express Highway (NH- 148 N), NH-8 E, etc. have used soil from Amrut Sarovar. Local farmers also use this soil to improve the fertility of their land.
