Latest news with #MissionAmritSarovar
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Prayagraj builds 583 Amrit Sarovars, boost water conservation
1 2 3 Prayagraj: In a bid to tackle depleting groundwater levels, the Uttar Pradesh government has been actively constructing Amrit Sarovars in rural areas to conserve water. Notably, Prayagraj has set a remarkable record under the Mission Amrit Sarovar scheme by building 583 Amrit Sarovars across 23 blocks, capable of storing approximately 13 lakh cubic meters of water. This initiative is not only enhancing water availability, but also boosting the rural economy. Deputy commissioner (MNREGA) Gulab Chandra said, "A total of 583 Amrit Sarovars have so far been constructed in Prayagraj at a cost of Rs 28.92 crore." Additionally, 106 Amrit Sarovars are under construction in the district in the current financial year. In the selection process, Prayagraj ranks second in the state after Kannauj. Weak monsoon has led to a decline in the district's average annual rainfall, which has dropped to around 890 mm. This, combined with changing water conservation habits, has resulted in a steady depletion of groundwater levels. However, the construction of Amrit Sarovars has helped collect 13 lakh cubic meters of rainwater. With 106 more ponds under construction, expected to store 104 crore liters of rainwater, the initiative is likely to improve groundwater levels in rural areas. With the transparent policy and determination of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state has certainly created a new identity regarding water conservation. This significant scheme of water conservation has also provided employment to rural youth and women. Women have played an active role in the excavation, beautification, and maintenance of the ponds. This campaign has not only become a means of water management, but also a means of livelihood. A comprehensive policy was formulated to develop sustainable water resources, the effects of which are now visible, said the officials.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HC seeks HSVP reply over pond land allocation for pvt housing
Chandigarh: The decision of the Haryana Sahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) to allot a small piece of land, historically used as a pond in Mansa Devi Complex (MDC) Panchkula, to a private builder for a luxury housing project has come under the scanner, with the Punjab and Haryana high court directing HSVP to file a reply on the issue by Monday. The land of the pond situated in Bhainsa Tibba village in MDC, which was originally acquired for public purposes by the govt, was allotted to Softobiz Technologies Private Limited for Rs 24.52 crore in June 2024 for construction of multi-crore apartments. According to the plea, this amounts to a clear case of land-use fraud, asserting that land acquired under the guise of public purpose was diverted for private commercial gain, contravening both the Land Acquisition Act and environmental protection laws. Th counsel for the petitioner also cited multiple Supreme Court (SC) rulings, emphasising that land acquired for public use cannot be repurposed for private profits. The petition also invokes provisions of the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Act, 2018, which prohibit construction on designated pond land without govt clearance and references the Centre's 'Mission Amrit Sarovar' scheme aimed at rejuvenating water bodies nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo A division bench, comprising Justice Sudhir Singh and Justice Alok Jain, took cognisance of the plea and asked HSVP to file a reply. The matter has reached the HC in the wake of a petition filed by Rajinder Singh, 71, a resident of Bhainsa Tibba village in the MDC area of Panchkula. The petitioner's counsel highlighted that a previous writ petition (CWP No. 8961 of 2002) on the matter was dismissed by the high court, with the state assuring the court that the pond lost its character and was required for a vital public project. However, no development followed, and on Nov 22, 2022, the Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board meeting chaired by the chief minister discussed a proposal to sell the land. Later, the possession was transferred to the HSVP in May 2023, which then allotted the plot to Softobiz for Rs 24.52 crore in June 2024, the counsel informed the court. The high court was also informed that the land was acquired ostensibly for religious and public welfare projects — namely for a dharamshala, bhandara facilities, and a dispensary — under the aegis of the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board. The petitioner has sought the quashing of the original notifications regarding the acquisition of the land and the June 28, 2024, allotment letter that transferred around 1.1 acres to a private firm. The HC has been informed that this pond is still reflected in the jamabandi (record of rights) for 2020-21.
