Prayagraj: With over 538 Amrit Sarovars spread across its rural and urban areas, Prayagraj has achieved the third position in Uttar Pradesh in the domain of water conservation and harvesting. These ponds have been constructed over an area of approximately 8,000 hectares, resulting in the harvesting and storage of 53.8 lakh cubic feet of water, as stated by Deputy Commissioner Gulab Chand, who oversees the VB-G Ram G Scheme.
Statewide Progress and Rankings
Chand further elaborated that so far, 19,978 Amrit Sarovars have been constructed across Uttar Pradesh, the highest number in the country. Within this campaign, Gorakhpur leads the state with the completion of 735 ponds, closely followed by Maharajganj and Prayagraj, which hold the second and third positions respectively, having constructed 601 and 538 ponds each.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The initiative is not merely limited to the conservation of water sources; it also plays a pivotal role in strengthening environmental balance in villages, improving groundwater levels, and boosting agriculture-based livelihoods. A key highlight of the scheme is that these water bodies have not been designed merely as receptacles for collecting water. Each Amrit Sarovar has been developed over a minimum area of one acre, boasting a water storage capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic metres. Basic amenities such as paved pathways, benches, lighting, and plantation have also been provided around the ponds.
Integration with Employment Schemes
This scheme has been linked not only to environmental conservation but also to the rural economy. The tasks of excavating, desilting, and beautifying the Amrit Sarovars have been integrated with the VB-G Ram Ji Scheme (formerly MGNREGA). As a result, lakhs of rural families across the state are securing employment right within their own villages. These water conservation efforts are serving as a strong foundation for rural prosperity, environmental protection, and the realisation of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), the official added.
About the Author: Kapil Dixit writes on crime, traffic, health, administration, politics, and offbeat stories from Prayagraj. He has extensively covered Maha Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Magh Melas, and state assembly as well as parliamentary polls from 2002 to 2025. His hobbies include reading, writing, and meeting people with diverse interests.
