GUWAHATI: A comprehensive plan for assigning responsibilities under Mission Amrit Sarovars (Assam Model) has been announced by the Assam Government, during the State Cabinet Meeting on January 7 for the sustainable and efficient management of the ponds under the scheme.
Educational institutions, religious institutions, tea gardens, and government-registered cooperative societies are entrusted with the management and maintenance of Sarovars situated on their lands. The Forest Department will automatically assume ownership of Sarovars in forest areas, with a directive to consider the community rights of forest dwellers and villagers in adherence to the Forest Rights Act.
The objective of Mission Amrit Sarovar is the “construction/development of at least 75 Amrit Sarovar (ponds) in every district of the country totalling about 50,000 Amrit Sarovars in the country”. Each Amrit Sarovar will have a pondage area of a minimum of 1 acre (0.4 hectares) with a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters.