Latest news with #AmritSarovarYojana
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
State sets target of digging 50 new ponds in Prayagraj under Khet Talab Yojana
In a determined push towards sustainable agriculture and water conservation, the state government is ramping up efforts under the Khet Talab Yojana, encouraging farmers to construct rainwater harvesting ponds in their fields. For Prayagraj district alone, the government has set a target of digging 50 new ponds this year—three times higher than last year's target, said officials. Officials say schemes like Khet Talab Yojana and Amrit Sarovar Yojana are proving instrumental in addressing the state's growing water scarcity, especially in light of declining rainfall and falling groundwater levels. These initiatives have gained momentum following Uttar Pradesh's recognition with the First Prize at the Third National Water Awards-2025, conferred by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in May, they added. Boost in farmer participation Thanks to a government grant of ₹52,500 per pond, more farmers in Prayagraj are embracing the scheme this year. Land Conservation Officer SP Singh said, 'The online application process is already underway. Last year, the target was to construct 13 ponds in the district, and over ₹52 lakh in grants were disbursed to participating farmers.' The scheme has seen rapid expansion across the state. While only 12,000 ponds were dug in 2023, the total has now crossed 1.2 lakh, according to officials—indicating a significant surge in interest and participation among the rural farming community. Addressing rainfall deficit and groundwater depletion 'Due to weak monsoons in recent years, Prayagraj's average annual rainfall has dropped to 835 mm, and unchecked groundwater exploitation has worsened the crisis,' Singh noted. 'The Khet Talab and Amrit Sarovar Yojanas are proving to be crucial milestones in reversing this trend,' he claimed. Last year, over 400 Amrit Sarovars were built in Prayagraj, collectively storing an estimated 175 crore liters of rainwater. Under the Khet Talab Yojana alone, 10 ponds were constructed in the district, contributing to groundwater recharge and supplemental irrigation. Multiple benefits for farmers Singh added that apart from improved water availability for irrigation, the ponds are also enabling farmers to diversify their income sources. 'Many are now using the ponds for fish farming, which is further boosting their earnings.' Across the state, the impact has been substantial. Water storage capacity has reportedly increased from 200 million cubic metres (MCM) to 560 MCM over the past two years—an encouraging sign of water sustainability in Uttar Pradesh.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
TOI River Dialogues 2025: ‘Involving the younger generation is essential', says IAS Anurag Srivastava on river rejuvenation
Anurag Srivastava, IAS, additional chief secretary, department of Namami Gange and rural water supply, government of Uttar Pradesh NEW DELHI: The TOI River Dialogues 2025 , held on April 28 in Lucknow, brought together policymakers, innovators, and community leaders to discuss the future of rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Gomti, which have shaped the region's history, culture, and economy for centuries. Speaking at the event, Anurag Srivastava , IAS, additional chief secretary, department of Namami Gange and rural water supply, government of Uttar Pradesh, outlined key strategies for ensuring river health and resilience. Srivastava stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and dynamic policy framework to meet the evolving challenges in river rejuvenation . "The increasing dynamism in environmental and urban pressures demands a flexible but firm response," he said, adding that microanalysis and technological innovations are critical. "We are using drones and focusing on total sewerage tapping to cut pollution at the source," he pointed out. TOI River Dialogues LIVE | Restoring the Lifelines of Uttar Pradesh Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo He emphasised that groundwater and river water systems must be treated as complementary, especially in light of emerging challenges like groundwater depletion in the west and south Yamuna regions. Srivastava highlighted the importance of bringing major stakeholders, including NGOs, local communities, and businesses, into the conservation effort. He advocated for decentralised systems supported by communities, calling them "vital for lasting impact." In a move to build public ownership, he mentioned the success of River Literacy Program that educates and involve the youth. "Involving the younger generation is essential because they are the future custodians of our rivers," he remarked. Touching on broader social impacts, he pointed to initiatives like 'Har Ghar Nal', which have improved access to drinking water, thereby enhancing quality of life and supporting female education across rural Uttar Pradesh. Srivastava also discussed the ongoing efforts in pond rejuvenation, including the Amrit Sarovar Yojana . He acknowledged that while progress would take time, these initiatives would create long-lasting ecological and social benefits, even though a comprehensive database of restored water bodies is still under development. On the economic dimension of river rejuvenation, he said, "We must at least begin by recognising it as a pressing need of the hour and align planning accordingly." He also addressed the use of chemical-based cleaning technologies, cautioning that "solutions are not binary," and stressed that policy must balance society's needs with available technologies. Srivastava also underlined the critical role of individual responsibility in river conservation, calling it "absolutely essential" for ensuring meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
