Amrit Sarovar Scheme Enhances Groundwater Wealth, Provides Direction to Water Policy

Amrit Sarovar Scheme: A New Direction in Water Conservation and Nearly Double Groundwater Recharge Capacity

The Amrit Sarovar scheme has promoted water conservation across India. Under this initiative, over 68,000 ponds have been created nationwide, significantly increasing groundwater recharge capacity from 13.98 billion cubic meters in 2017 to 25.34 billion cubic meters. Regions like Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh have seen notable improvements in groundwater levels.

Year after year, the worsening water crisis has found support through the Amrit Sarovar scheme. The plan aimed to construct 75 ponds in every district of the country, targeting over 50,000 ponds to be created or rejuvenated, but over 18,000 additional ponds were built. This has led to almost doubling the groundwater recharge capacity.

India’s total groundwater recharge capacity was 13.98 billion cubic meters in 2017, which has now increased to 25.34 billion cubic meters. This formula for enhancing groundwater is paving the way for future water conservation and environmental sustainability. This growth is not accidental; it is backed by over 68,000 Amrit Sarovar ponds that not only store rainwater but also enrich surrounding groundwater levels. The central government’s Amrit Sarovar scheme has given new direction to the country’s water policy.

Ponds Built in Bundelkhand Region

Groundwater levels have improved in 29 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Previously, 82 blocks had excessive groundwater extraction, which has now reduced to just 50 blocks. In Mahoba, Lalitpur, and Chitrakoot of Bundelkhand, bore wells previously dry now yield water just by digging near ponds.

In Bihar, groundwater levels in at least 41.8% of wells have improved through 2,613 ponds. In some areas, water levels have risen by as much as four meters, indicating recharge through these ponds. Overall, 64.3% of wells have shown improved water levels.

Challenges Remain Despite Pond Construction

However, pond construction alone has not resolved all challenges. Maintenance of ponds remains a significant issue. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh, problems like siltation, encroachment, and waste dumping have started to emerge in some locations.