How many Amrit Sarovars have been built in Madhya Pradesh so far?

Amrit Sarovar’s or the lake of nectar, is an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a vision to conserve water for the future. To achieve this feat, the goal of this mission was to establish 75 water bodies in each district of a state to mark Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, i.e., the completion of 75 years of Indian independence. This initiative is being led jointly by the various government bodies, both urban and rural, along with NGOs and local people.

This mission commenced on 24 April 2022 with a target of 50,000 Amrit Sarovars, 75 in each district, with the participation of 28 states and 5 UTs except Delhi, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep. 

The characteristic of an Amrit Sarovar is to have a minimum pondage area of 1 Acre with a 10,000 cubic meter capacity. This mission saw an increase in green cover as a plantation drive was also in place, with 23 lakh trees/plants planted. A total of 68,827 Amrit Sarovars were completed under this mission. This mission received participation from 69 Padma Awardees, 2203 freedom fighters, 385 family members of freedom fighters, 742 family members of martyrs and 22,993 eldest members of the panchayats. This mission ended on 15 August 2023.

As per the data released by the government, 68,827 Amrit Sarovars have been completed so far. These include newly constructed, reconstructed and rejuvenated Sarovar’s. The lowest number is 25 in west Bengal and the highest number is 16,602 in Uttar Pradesh.

Criteria of site selection for new & renovated Sarovars

As per the guidelines from Ministry of Rural Development, the following criteria were used for mission Amrit Sarovar:

1. Proximity to the community: For new Sarovars, the Sarovar should be located close enough to benefit the local population.

2. Inlet Channel Treated: The water entering the Sarovar must go through properly constructed or treated inlet channels.

3. Outlet Channel Treated: The Sarovar’s should have properly treated outlet channels to prevent overflow or contamination.

4. Catchment Treatment Identified: The surrounding area must be assessed for soil so that the rainwater runoff into the pond/lake is clean and controlled. This is identified so that the soil does not erode, and the land is protected. Moreover, siltation in the reservoir too can be minimized.

5. Catchment Treatment Implemented: For catchment treatment, plantations or bunds are built around the periphery of the Sarovar to keep rainwater runoff in check.

6. Installation of Silt Traps: Silt traps should be in place to prevent sediment from filling the Sarovar prematurely.

7. Installation of Masonry Structures: Steps or walls must be constructed for the structural integrity of the Sarovar.

8. Provision of adequate embankment slope: The embankment around the Sarovar should have a proper slope to avoid erosion and collapse of the structure.

9. Provision of Berm along the Embankment: Additional soil berms to be constructed to ensure stability and erosion control.

10. Layer-wise bund compaction: Special focus should be made to ensure structural strength via construction of bunds compacted in layers.

11. Addressing Encroachments/Grey Water: Identifying areas of wastewater or grey water encroachments and acting on these issues.

12. Capacity as per guidelines: Ensuring that the Sarovar size and depth must meet the guidelines proposed by the government.

13. PLO/PP linkage: The Sarovar must be linked to a planning line officer or a Panchayat plan for oversight.

14. User group information: A community group should be formed to manage and judiciously utilize the Sarovar.

15. User group details: Documentation of group’s name, number of members and purpose.

16. Use of excavated silt: Excavated soil should be reused beneficially by the community or local department.

17. List of beneficiaries: Identify the list of households that directly benefit from the Sarovar.

18. Native tree plantations: Apart from the removal of encroachments from the inside of the pondage and surrounding catchment areas, the plantation of trees such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Bargad (Ficus benghalensis) and other native trees.

19. Flag hoisting stand: The Sarovar must have a flag hoisting stand to hoist flag on Amrit anniversary of independence and Republic Day.

20. Standard signage: A visible signboard with Sarovar details and logos should be installed.

21. Data upload to portal: Sarovar data must be uploaded on the official online platform. Each Sarovar is marked by a Sarovar ID.

22. Community mobilisation: In what manner is the local community is involved around the Sarovar.

23. Use for social events: The Sarovar should be accessible for local cultural or social gatherings.

24. Community feedback: Gather local feedbackon how the Sarovar impacts their socio-economic and environmental condition.

25. Officer’s remark: The visiting officer should provide observations and recommendations.

26. Photo documentation: For transparency, site photos must be uploaded.

Total Amrit Sarovars in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, a total of 5,839 such Sarovars have been built.

The Mission Amrit Sarovar was set out to create 50,000 water bodies across India—but in a surprising turn, the target has been surpassed. This achievement highlights the strength of community efforts when backed by clear intent and local participation.

In Madhya Pradesh, the impact is visible on the ground. A farmer from Betul shared that he can now irrigate over 150 acres of land, thanks to a nearby Amrit Sarovar. In Mandla, a group of women said fish farming in the pond has helped them earn extra income, something they never imagined before.

Stories like these are emerging across the state, showing that these water bodies have become more than just storage sites, they are lifelines for villages, bringing both livelihood and hope.

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