Indian Railways has been integrated into Union Government’s Mission Amrit Sarovar, an initiative aimed at water conservation and rejuvenation of water bodies across India. Under this initiative, Railways will undertake construction and desilting of ponds to address water scarcity.
Indian Railways’ Role in Mission Amrit Sarovar
Excavation and Desilting of Waterbodies: Indian Railways will dig new ponds and rejuvenate existing ones in areas near railway lines.
Use of Excavated Material: The soil excavated from these ponds will be utilized for railway embankments, wherever suitable for construction.
Site Identification: Railway authorities will collaborate with district administrations to identify suitable sites for pond construction.
Coordination with the Rural Development Ministry: The Railways will work closely with the Ministry of Rural Development to ensure effective execution of water conservation efforts.
About Mission Amrit Sarovar
Mission Amrit Sarovar was launched in April 2022 with the goal of constructing or rejuvenating 75 waterbodies in each district of the country.
Key Achievements:
- As of October 2024, more than 68,000 ponds have been completed, significantly improving surface and groundwater recharge.
- Phase 2 Launched: The second phase of the mission focuses on water availability, climate resilience, and ecological balance through community participation (Jan Bhagidari).
Implementation Details:
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
Technical Partner: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).
Convergence with Government Schemes:
- MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
- 15th Finance Commission Grants
- PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana)
- State Government Programs
Significance of Indian Railways’ Participation in Amrit Sarovar
- Addresses Water Scarcity in railway areas and nearby communities.
- Supports Groundwater Recharge and enhances climate resilience.
- Promotes Sustainable Development by integrating infrastructure projects with environmental conservation.
- Enhances Rural Employment Opportunities through MGNREGA convergence.