Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi APMU can become a beacon of support for Global South – Dr. Mandaviya
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 4:46PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU) at the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) in New Delhi today. This initiative reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting clean and transparent sports practices on both national and international platforms.
Speaking during the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya said, “APMU is a key milestone in India’s fight against doping, enabling the longitudinal tracking of Athletes Biological profiles through the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) system. This innovative mechanism will help in detecting doping patterns and protect the fairness of sports by identifying unethical practices”.
Calling the APMU as a beacon of support for Global South, Union Minister said it will help our neighbouring countries that don’t have enough resources to set up similar systems. “By sharing knowledge and tools, India can support these nations in keeping their sports free from unfair practices. Such initiatives underline the spirit of solidarity and contribute to strengthening sports integrity across Global South”, he added.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the potential of regional collaboration, highlighting India’s readiness to extend support to neighbouring countries by sharing expertise and resources through the APMU. He said that there is a need for greater involvement of Sports Federations, Organizations, Universities and Institutes of early education on Doping and the launch of awareness companion in Rural Areas. Further, he mentioned that scientists working in the laboratories may give education to the students of various schools / universities about Anti – Doping Science to sensitize the students about doping.
The NDTL’s APMU is designed to align with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) guidelines, strengthening anti-doping programme globally. By tracking parameters like blood and steroidal profiles over time, this unit will safeguard the credibility of clean athletes while ensuring a level playing field in sports.
Notably, this is the 17th Athlete Passport Management Unit in the world which is established in India. It will serve as a specialized body responsible for monitoring and managing biological passports of athletes.
As India continues to excel on the international sports stage, the Athlete Passport Management Unit highlights the nation’s strong dedication to maintaining fair play, integrity in sports and also sets a benchmark for ethical sports practices worldwide.
The event was attended by Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), Shri Kunal, Joint Secretary (Sports), other officers of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports including Eminent–Scientists and Prof. (Dr.) P. L. Sahu, Director & CEO(I/c), NDTL.
Background:
The concept of the “athlete biological passport” emerged when scientists identified monitoring blood markers as a way to detect doping. With input from stakeholders and medical experts, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) refined and standardized this idea, leading to the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP).
A biological passport is an electronic document that compiles data on an athlete’s biological markers over time. By tracking variables such as blood parameters, hormonal levels, and other physiological markers, the APMU can detect any anomalies or trends indicative of doping without directly identifying banned substances.
TRAI, through its appointed agency, conducted Independent Drive Tests (IDT) in cities/highways/Railway/Coastal area of Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh LSA), City & Railway route of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh LSA), Alappuzha & Alappuzha Backwaters (Kerala LSA), Dehradun (UP-West LSA), Rajkot (Gujarat LSA), Highway route of Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur, Railway route from Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar and Coastal area of Paradeep (Odisha LSA). Drive tests were conducted to assess the quality of service provided by Cellular Mobile Telephone Service providers for voice and data services in February 2025.
In IDT, the performance of M/s Bharti Airtel Ltd., M/s BSNL/MTNL, M/s Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and M/s Vodafone Idea Ltd., providing services in a Licensed Service Area (LSA) through various technologies (like 2G/ 3G/ 4G/ 5G) for voice and data, has been measured by conducting drive test. The observations presented in drive test reports represent the performance of the service providers on the area/ route under test on the day/ time of conducting the drive test.
The following Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Voice as well as Data service were assessed for the networks of all Telecom service providers operating in the region:
Voice services:
Call setup success rate
Drop call rate (DCR)
Speech Quality using MOS (mean opinion score)
Downlink & Uplink packet (voice) drop rate
Call Silence Rate
Coverage (%)- Signal strength
Data Service:
Data Throughput (Downlink and uplink both)
Packet drop rate (Downlink & Uplink)
Video streaming delay
Latency
Jitter
The details of drive tests conducted in the six areas are given below:
The detailed reports are available at TRAI website www.trai.gov.in. For any clarification/information, Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I) TRAI may be contacted on email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in or at Tel. No. +91-11-20907759.
(Atul Kumar Chaudhary)
Secretary
Annexure-A
Drive test route Map: (Alappuzha City & Alappuzha Backwaters- Kerala LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Alappuzha & Alappuzha Backwaters under Kerala LSA.
Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
Drive test route Map: (Dehradun City- UP West LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Dehradun City under UP West LSA. Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
Drive test route Map: (Shimla – Himachal Pradesh LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Shimla City and Railway route from Shimla to Kalka under Himachal Pradesh LSA.
Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
Drive test route Map: (Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur Highway & Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar Railway Route & Paradeep Coastal area – Odisha LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Visakhapatnam to Brahmapur Highway & Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar Railway Route & Paradeep Coast under Odisha LSA.
Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
Drive test route Map: (Hyderabad City- Andhra Pradesh LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Hyderabad City under Andhra Pradesh LSA. Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
1. Drive test route Map: (Rajkot City- Gujarat LSA)
This route map indicates the routes covered in independent drive test in Rajkot City under Gujarat LSA.
Legends for the Drive Tests route & area are as below
2. Performance against key QoS parameters:
CSSR: Call setup success rate (in %), CST: Call setup time (in milli seconds), DCR: Drop call rate (in %) & MOS: Mean Opinion Score.
Summary-Voice Service
Call Setup Success Rate: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have call setup success rate of 99.85%, 91.75%, 99.86% and 100.00% respectively in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).
Call Setup Time: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have call setup time of 1.25, 1.56, 0.72 & 0.77 seconds respectively in Auto-selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).
Drop Call Rate: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have drop call rate of 0.00%, 0.90%, 0.14% & 0.15% respectively in Auto selection mode (5G/4G/3G/2G).
Call Silence/Mute Rate: Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have silence rate of 0.00%, 6.95%, 0.56% & 0.56% respectively in packet switched network (4G/5G).
Mean Opinion Score (MOS): Airtel, BSNL, RJIL and VIL have MOS score of 4.02, 2.91, 3.91 & 4.53 respectively.
In a landmark achievement, C-DOT, jointly with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), hassuccessfully tested India’s first QKD transmission over a 4-core Multi-CoreFibre(MCF) — marking a major milestone in the nation’s journey towards quantum-secured communicationnetworks.
Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) technology provides a powerful solution by enabling data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, significantly saving physical space and infrastructurecosts. In the context of QKD — which typically requires a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel, MCF offers a significant advantage: it enables the physical separation of quantum and classical signals into distinct cores within single fibre. This allows for the simultaneoustransmission of QKD and high-capacity data traffic on a single fibre without compromising quantum signalintegrity thereby saving fibre cost.
In this activity, the quantum signals of QKD were transmitted through one core, while simultaneously, the other three cores on the same fibre were used to carry high-speed user data. A stable QKD link was established over a distance exceeding 100 km, validating the robustness and stability of quantum communication even amidst high-capacity classical data traffic.
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s premier telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has emerged as a key player in advancing India’s quantum communication ecosystem. C-DOT has successfully developed and deployed industry-grade Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. Notably, C-DOT’s QKD systems have received Technology Approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a body under the DoT.
Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL) is a leading global provider of integrated digital networks, specialising in optical fibre manufacturing and network designs, with 10+ globalmanufacturing plants and a customer base spanning 100+ countries. As a trailblazer in Optical Networking, Optical Connectivity, Data Centres, and Enterprise solutions, STL has recentlydeveloped Multi-Core Fibre (MCF), positioning it at the forefront of building future-ready, scalable fibre networks. STL’s Multicore fibre leverages Space Division Multiplexing in 7 and 4 core fibre to achieve ultra-high transmission capacity per fibre within the same diameter.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, stated, “This initiative is a key milestone for India’s telecom ecosystem. This achievement clearly establishes the feasibility of integrated quantum-classical networks over next-generation optical fibres saving costs for QKD deployments drastically”.
Rahul Puri, CEO, Optical Networking Business, STL said: “This breakthrough collaboration with C-DOT underscores India’s growing prowess in pioneering next-gen digital infrastructure. By successfully integrating QKD with our indigenously developed MCF, we have demonstrated how cutting-edge optical innovations can revolutionized secure communication. We are committed to advancing India’s quantum communication ambitions while driving global optical leadership. This milestone is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in building a digitally sovereign and secure nation.”
Both C-DOT and Sterlite Technologies (STL) reaffirm their commitment to advancing India’scapabilities in quantum communication and optical network innovations. This achievement isa foundational step toward realizing a cost effective, secure and resilient national quantum communicationinfrastructure.
SANSKRIT IS NOT MERELY A CLASSICAL LANGUAGE, BUT ALSO A PROFOUND MEDIUM OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER STUDENTS MUST DON THE MANTLE OF SANSKRIT’S AMBASSADORS TO ILLUMINATE THE WORLD WITH RADIANCE OF INDIA’S TIMELESS KNOWLEDGE TRADITION.: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
LOK SABHA SPEAKER GIVES AWAY DEGREES AND GOLD MEDALS TO MERITORIOUS SCHOLARS
LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES INVITEES AT SEVENTH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF JAGADGURU RAMANANDACHARYA RAJASTHAN SANSKRIT UNIVERSITY
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 7:48PM by PIB Delhi
Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla extolled the eternal essence of Sanskrit today, calling it not merely a classical language, but also a profound medium of scientific inquiry and philosophical clarity. as the world rediscovers India’s wisdom through Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedantic philosophy, it becomes our sacred duty to awaken the younger generation to the treasures enshrined in Sanskrit, he remarked. Shri Birla made these remarks while speaking at the seventh convocation of the Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University, Jaipur today.
Shri Birla noted that at a time when the most prestigious universities across the globe are delving into Sanskrit research, we must weave this ancient language into the fabric of modern innovation and technological advancement. He lauded the university’s pioneering initiatives, such as the scientific teaching of yoga, digitization of ancient manuscripts, and the introduction of online learning modules, calling them visionary steps toward cultural resurgence. He said that students must become torchbearers of Sanskrit’s timeless glory.
Tracing the university’s genesis, Shri Birla fondly recalled that the noble vision for this institution was born in the heart of the venerable Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan, under the divine guidance of Param Pujya Narayandas Ji Maharaj. He urged the graduating students to don the mantle of Sanskrit’s ambassadors, and to illuminate the world with the radiance of India’s timeless knowledge tradition.
On this occasion, Shri Birla gave away degrees and Gold Medals to meritorious scholars of the University. Swami Avdheshanand Giri was conferred with the Revered Title of ‘Vidya Vachaspati’. The seventh convocation of the esteemed Jagadguru Ramanandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University unfolded with grandeur at the Rajasthan International Center in Jaipur. Among others, gracing the august occasion were Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Bagade, and Rajasthan’s Minister for Education and Panchayati Raj Shri Madan Dilawar.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Government held a seminar today (April 17) at the Central Government Offices to exchange views with around 100 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on the United States (US)’s unjustified imposition of tariffs. The seminar aimed to address the risks posed by the US’s bullying and barbaric actions and to unite all sectors in analysing and seizing opportunities in the new international trade order.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, stated at the seminar that the US’s recent imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on multiple countries and regions seriously violates the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and recklessly undermines the international trade order. He pointed out that the US’s imposition of a so-called 145 per cent tariff on Hong Kong, which has zero tariffs, is full of fallacies and violates logic. The Government has repeatedly issued stern statements expressing strong disapproval and urged the US to cease disrupting free trade.
The opinions expressed at the seminar reflected that the US Government’s bullying and unjustified imposition of tariffs is a disruption to the global trade order, severely impacting the global supply chain that many countries have worked hard to establish over the past few decades. Hong Kong will not yield and will face challenges with a firm attitude of turning crises into opportunities. In the process of restructuring global trade relations and supply chains, Hong Kong must maintain confidence, stand shoulder to shoulder with our country, grasp the emerging new order, explore new trade frontiers, safeguard economic security, and promote economic upgrading and transformation.
The Government is fully committed to leading society in unity and co-operation, strengthening regional trade collaboration, deepening international exchanges and co-operation, exploring emerging markets, and driving the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
As members of the country’s major institutions, HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC are leaders from various sectors of Hong Kong. They will leverage their influence in their respective roles, consolidate strength, and play a driving role in the “long battle” of restructuring the trade order. They will also provide advice to the Government to jointly navigate through this “long battle”.
Also attending the seminar were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san; and the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan.
Under the guidance of the Chief Executive, the current-term Government has established a regular exchange mechanism with HKSAR deputies to the NPC and HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC to enhance the Government’s communication and collaboration with them. This includes exchanges and meetings on a regular and non-regular basis, seminars and exchange sessions on various issues and policies. An exchange and liaison office and an exclusive contact point for the NPC deputies and CPPCC members have also been set up to better collect their views and recommendations. The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau will continue to take forward the regular exchange mechanism for strengthening the organisation and unity of patriots with affection for the country and our city.
PM interacts with Delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community Delegation thanks PM for bringing about Waqf Amendment Act which was their long pending demand
Delegation shares stories of challenges faced by the Community earlier due to claims by Waqf; says PM has brought this Act not only for minorities but for minority within minorities
Praising PM’s leadership under which they feel spirit of inclusion, community members repose faith in PM’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas
One of the key drivers behind bringing the Act was that most of the sufferers of the prevalent system were women, especially widows: PM
PM discusses his connect with the Dawoodi Bohra community and praises the contribution of Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin towards bringing forth the Waqf Act
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 8:05PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with a Delegation of Dawoodi Bohra Community members at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today.
The Delegation included business leaders, professionals, doctors, educators and various prominent representatives of the Dawoodi Bohra community. They narrated their struggles and shared stories of how properties belonging to members of their community were wrongfully claimed by Waqf. They thanked the Prime Minister for bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act and said it was a long pending demand.
They spoke about the Prime Minister’s long-standing special connection with the Dawoodi Bohra community and the positive work done by him. Speaking about the benefit of the Act for their Community, they said that the Prime Minister has brought this Act not only for minorities but for minority within minorities. While saying that India has always allowed their identity to flourish, they added that under PM’s leadership, they feel the spirit of inclusion.
Discussing the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, they expressed commitment and all possible assistance in the journey towards making India developed. They also lauded his leadership which brings focus on the aspect that true development should be people-centric. They praised several key initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, support for MSMEs etc saying they have been very helpful especially for small businesses. They also appreciated steps like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and other measures towards empowering Nari Shakti.
Prime Minister spoke about the years of work behind bringing forth the Waqf Amendment Act. He spoke about difficulties faced by people due to Waqf and said that one of the key drivers behind bringing the Act was that most of the sufferers of the prevalent system were women, especially widows.
Prime Minister recalled his strong bonds with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community. He praised the tradition of the community of working towards social welfare, which he has seen over the years. He also brought out the special contribution of the community towards bringing about the Act. He said when work towards bringing about the Waqf Amendment Act started, one of the first people he discussed this with was Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, who was instrumental in giving detailed comments about various nitty-gritties of the Act.
Well, you are privileged, now the group is 175. Very special group and this is Rajya Sabha interns 6th session. Now we have taken a decision to have a structured platform that will generate connectivity and this platform will cater to the people at large all information about legislation in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
I’ll work out with the Hon’ble Speaker and in about two months time we will launch it. So people of the country will have the benefit to have authentic information from a sanctified platform about Members of Parliament and right from Constituent Assembly debates to the current ones. You will also have access to archives that are privy to Indian Parliament.
Therefore, as a very special group you will act as ambassadors. When this group during my tenure will reach a figure of 500 the geographical spread out the regional penetration inclusivity will be reflected in every facet of human life and this will help you, boys and girls to be in connect with one another. It will be nothing less than a batch of Indian Civil Service officers. Two of the people are present here PC Modi, Secretary General and Rajit Punhani, Secretary Rajya Sabha.
Boys and girls India was a nation in the world for thousands of years dominating culture civilisation values economy. We were a world power, we were known as Vishwa Guru. Our institutes of excellence Nalanda, Takshila to name just few attracted global talent, they learned from us, they gave to us. We were constituting at one point of time one-third of global economy.
Things went wrong somewhere but soothing parties gratifying parties the last decade or so has generated an ecosystem of hope and possibility. India has witnessed a growth in economy that is globally applauded by world institutions. India has had such massive phenomenal infrastructure jump that we are feeling it every day. People centric policies technological penetration has gone up to the villages and therefore, India today is the most aspirational nation in the world and this is good for planet Earth.
We are home to one-sixth of humanity, we are aspirational, it’s a challenge to us. Boys and girls before me are the most vital stakeholders in governance and in democracy you are the future. Our youth demographic dividend is envy of the world. We are a vibrant democracy, mother of democracy. Democracy at all levels constitutionally structured but when things are going upward we are bound to face headwind. There will be forces inimical to the interest of Bharat. They will try to operationalise mechanisms give wings to wrong narratives invidious designing of sinister mechanisms to run down our national growth taint, tarnish and diminish our constitutional institutions. Therefore, every young mind in the country has to be alert has to be discerning has to question, because this questioning is vital because it is sublimity and vitality of democracy.
We must learn to challenge situations which we find are not in consonance with our rich culture our democratic principles and that is how we will contribute in the maintenance, sustaining of our growth trajectory. So all of you boys and girls will have to think and scratch your heads is everything alright? Am I worried? And today therefore, my focus singularly will be on the role of the citizen, role of the youth.
Let me take incidents that are most recent they are dominating our minds an event happened on the night of 14th and 15th of March in New Delhi at the residence of a judge, for seven days no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves. Is the delay explainable? Condonable! Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? Ordinary situations define rule of law things would have been different. It was only on 21st March disclosed by a newspaper that people of the country were shocked as never before.
They were in some kind of limbo deeply concerned and worried at this explosive, alarming explosive thereafter, fortunately in public domain we had input from authoritative source the Supreme Court of India and input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss; something required to be investigated.
Now the nation waits with bated breath, the nation is resting because one of our institutions to which people have looked up always with highest respect and deference was put in the dock. It is now over a month even if it is can of worms, even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, time to blow up the can, time for its lid to go out and time for the cupboard to collapse. Let the worms and skeletons be in public domain so that cleansing takes place, not for a moment I will ever say that we must not give premium to innocence.
Democracy is nurtured, its core values blossom, human rights are taken at a high pedestal when we believe in innocence till the guilt is established. Therefore, I must not be misunderstood for casting aspersions on any individual but then in a democratic nation purity of its criminal justice system defines its direction investigation is required.
Boys and girls, no investigation under law is in progress at the moment because, for a criminal investigation the initiation has to be by an FIR ‘First Information Report’ it is not there. It is law of the land that every cognizable offence is required to be reported to the police and failure to do so, failure to report a cognizable offence is a crime. Therefore, you all will be wondering why there has been no FIR the answer is simple.
An FIR in this country can be registered against anyone, any constitutional functionary including the one before you. One has only to activate the rule of law no permission is required but if it is judges their category FIR cannot be state way registered it has to be approved by the concerned in judiciary but that is not given in the Constitution. Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Hon’ble President and the Hon’ble Governors so how come a category beyond law has secured this immunity because the ill effects of this are being felt in the mind of one and all.
Every Indian young and old young and old is deeply concerned, if the event had taken place at his house the speed would have been electronic rocket. Now, it is not even a cattle cart. A question we must think, there is a committee of three judges investigating the matter but investigation is domain of the executive. Investigation is not the domain of judiciary. Is the committee under constitution of India? No. Is this committee of three judges having any sanction under any law emanating from Parliament? No. What can the committee do, committee can at the most make a recommendation. Recommendation to whom and for what the kind of mechanism we have for judges, the only action finally that can be taken is by the Parliament, when proceedings of removal are initiated a month has passed more than that and investigation requires speed, expedition, preservation of incriminating material. As a citizen of the country and holding position which I do, I am concerned. Are we not diluting rule of law? Are we not answerable to? ‘We the people’ who gave us the Constitution.
Therefore, I would strongly urge everyone concerned to examine this as a test case, what legitimacy and jurisdictional authority does this committee possess. Can we have separate law made by a category and the law made by that category dehorsconstitution, dehorsParliament.
The committee report according to me inherently lacks legal standing तो क्या हम ऐसे हालात में आ गए की समय के साथ यह बात चली जाएगी? लोगों के दिल पर इस घटना से गहरी चोट लगी है। लोगों का विश्वास डगमगा गया है।
There was a survey conducted recently and the survey indicated it was by a media house that public confidence in the institution of judiciary is dwindling. It is fundamental for success of democracy that is three fundamental pillars Legislature, Judiciary and Executive are above board, they are transparent, they are accountable, they exemplify to the people at large.
The highest standards to be emulated and therefore the principle of equality equality before law has been disregarded. It is fundamental to our democracy, it is nectar of our democracy time for us to enforce it.
This is in March, still we are groping in dark the tunnel is getting longer and longer and light is not visible as to what will happen. Normal human tendency to forget an event because other events overtake us, this is not one such incident.
I beseech everyone concerned to be highly alert proactive and restore authority of the constitution.
Boys and girls, let me take to you early this year on January 27, 2025 a seven member LOKPAL Bench headed by a former supreme court judge ruled. It possesses jurisdiction to investigate corruption complaints against High Court judges. Suo Moto cognisance was taken and mind you, if you go to other judicial dispensations in other countries that have democracies thriving Suo Moto cognisance is unknown to me and then it was a state on one ground independence of judiciary this independence कोई कवच नहीं है This independence is not some kind of impregnable cover against enquiry, investigation probe.
Institutions thrive with transparency with there being probe the surest way to degenerate an institution or an individual is to give total guarantee, there will be no enquiry, no scrutiny, no probe how can we take this situation. These are serious issues.
Let me tell you where it started. The Constitution framers were very wise people. People who deeply believed in national welfare. They debated for 18 sessions for a little less than 3 years. There was no confrontation, there was no disturbance, no disruption, there was dialogue, debate, discussion and deliberation. They had very contentious issues but they framed one rule, the judges will be appointed under article 124 and a consultation board was used.
Boys and girls, you know the word consultation lexicon defines it, consultation is not concurrence, consultation is consultation article 124 was very specific and with respect to article 124 we have a very important discourse by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and B.R. Ambedkar who did a great job in giving us this constitution and I quoting him, this was with regard to the question of the concurrence of Chief Justice and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar says “I think, to allow the Chief Justice practically a veto upon the appointment of judges is really to transfer the authority to the Chief Justice which we are not prepared to vest in the President or the Government of the day. I therefore think that is also a dangerous proposition.” but in the second judge’s case, in 1993, the court interpreted consultation will be read as concurrence. Can it be done?
The two words boys and girls are different, but the bench did not notice that the Indian constitution uses these words, consultation and concurrence in the same article, Article 370, with respect to the then state of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 has both expressions in the same sub-articles.
How can these two words used differently by the Supreme, by the constituent assembly members in the constitution can be read differently? It was done. Now, the situation is engaging attention of everyone and it is our obligation as citizens of this country to think about how things have to evolve. I have no doubt parliament cannot script a judgement of a court. I have no doubt about it.
Parliament can only legislate and hold institutions including Judiciary and Executive accountable, but judgement writing, adjudication is the sole prerogative of judiciary as much legislation is that of the parliament. But are we not finding this situation getting challenged? I am saying so because very frequently we are finding that executive governance is by judicial orders, when executive, the government is elected by people, the government is accountable to parliament, the government is accountable to the people at election.
There is a principle of accountability in operation. In parliament you can ask questions, critical questions, because the governance is by the executive but if this executive governance is by judiciary, how do you ask questions? Whom do you hold accountable in election? Time has come when our three institutions, Legislature, Judiciary and Executive must blossom, and they blossom best, and best for the nation, only when they operate in their own area. Any incursion by one in the domain of the other poses a challenge, which is not good. It can upset the upper card. The relationship between these three must be wholesome, soothing, one of deep understanding, coordination not to show authority.
Historically and also presently in many nations, judges speak through their judgments, and only through their judgments. Those good old days are gone now. We are having totally a different spectacle. A courtroom was the ultimate place from where a judge would pronounce his order but now the situation is judges are venturing out on public platforms, on media platforms. Even in terrain which is challenging and not their own, I only expect the legislature will operate from parliament theatre, judges will operate from their courtrooms, and executive will do its work as envisioned by the Constitution.
The problem started, I should come, because an event had taken place recently. I am dealing with only contemporary issues. An event had taken place recently on the release of a book, and the focus of the book by a former judge of the Supreme Court was on Basic Structure. The day was chosen as 14th April, associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The former judge of the Supreme Court, and illustrious author of the book referred to 13th April. He narrated an incident that had taken place on 13th April at Jallianwala Bagh before independence, where our people were killed, massacred, injured, and by our own people, led by General Dyer and then he came to the doctrine of basic structure, that this cannot happen now because of this doctrine. Examine for a moment the doctrine Keshvanand Bharti gave to us.
Thirteen judges of the Supreme Court assembled. The judgement was on 24th April, 1973 and this, according to the author, is our saviour. But after we had this basic structure doctrine, a Prime Minister to save a seat imposed emergency on 25th June, 1975. The judge has forgotten. The audience has forgotten. It was supposed to be engaging discourse, inquisitorial. No one asked a question. कि यह जो अवतार था, यह जो अमर था, जो ऐसी घटनाओं पर अंकुश लगा देगा और जिसका इतना महामंडन किया जा रहा था जलियांवाला बाग के रेफ़रेंस में वह भूल गए ताज़ा इतिहास को 24 अप्रैल, 1973 और आप देखिए, 2 साल पूरे होते ही emergency was clamped on 25th June. Lakhs of people were put behind the bars and there it was up to 21st March, 1977. Lakhs of people! With this basic structure Supreme Court ruled, you have no fundamental right in emergency. This is so much for your tribute to basic structure. The impregnability of basic structure was so demolished to pieces by the highest court of the land.
Reversing judgments of nine high courts, that in one voice held, fundamental rights cannot be on hold during emergency. There has to be access to judiciary. The highest court of land, a former judge, being author of the book, eulogising the doctrine, the complete bulwark against assault on citizen rights, was so oblivious of what happened during his lifetime.
Just imagine, we are being sold these narratives at a critical time, because we don’t ask questions. I wish somebody in the audience should have asked the question, what happened to your basic structure doctrine in 1975? Then there should have been the next question. 1st June 1984, what happened in Delhi? Our freedom loving people, they were singled out in thousands. What happened at the Golden Temple? What I am saying is, don’t take these narratives at face value. These narratives are dangerous narratives. These narratives must be exposed by discerning minds like young people. You must learn to question, because we have iconized people through mechanism which is not rational.
We have given celebrated status to people without examining, we think what they say is right. No one asked the author, while he was judge of the Supreme Court, why the collegium system did not work. We must learn to ask questions, because in democracy, this is our most basic right. If you don’t ask questions to me, you will not be doing your duty. Therefore, in 1975 the number will go to 500. It will be that square which will be asking questions also. We don’t have to be overcritical. We don’t have to be confrontationist but we have to believe in the nation under all situations.
My worries were at a very highest level. I never thought in my life I will have the occasion to see it. President of India is a very elevated person. President takes oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution. This oath is taken only by president and her appointees, the governors.
Everyone, the Prime Minister, the Vice-President, the ministers, the parliamentarians, the judges, they take oath to abide by the constitution but to defend the constitution, to preserve the constitution, to protect the constitution, that is the oath of the president of India. The supreme commander of the armed forces, boys and girls, if you look at the Indian constitution, when parliament is defined, according to you parliament is Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha – No.
Parliament, the first part is the president, second and third are Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. There is a director to the president by a recent judgement. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive.
It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy for this day. President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner and if not, it becomes law. So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super Parliament and absolutely have no accountability because law of the land does not apply to them.
Let me tell you boys and girls, every parliamentarian, and why parliamentarian? Every candidate in any election to Assembly or Parliament is required to declare assets. They just don’t do it. Some do, some don’t. Time has come, that we reflect deeply. I am not here to join an issue. I am proud of Bharat that is rising as never before, the rise is unstoppable. I am proud of the ecosystem in the country of hope and possibility. Buoyant economy, infrastructure unbelievable, Global reputation of the Prime Minister, never heard. Indian Prime Minister will be a global leader of that level. India is respected all over. We therefore have to be extra cautious that these forces that are active, you have to analyse them.
I do not wish to take on an individual. I have respect for all but then we have to be analytical mind, discerning mind. We cannot have situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis the only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There it has to be five judges.
Boys and girls. When Article 145(3) was there, the number of judges in the Supreme Court was eight. Five out of eight, now five out of 30 and old. But forget about it. The judges who issued mandamus virtually to the President and presented a scenario it will be law of the land. Have forgotten the power of the Constitution.
How can that combination of judges deal with something under Article 145(3) is preserved? It was then for five out of eight. We need to make amends in that also now. Five out of eight would mean interpretation will be by majority. Five constitutes more than majority in eight but leave that aside.
Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces. Available to judiciary 24×7. Boys and girls, why I am talking to you? You are the future. You are the stakeholders. I am not addressing only you, I am addressing the entire youth of the country. In IITs, in IIMs, institutes of excellence, colleges, universities, schools. We have to believe in the nation. We have to believe in the power of we the people. And the power is reflected only through representatives, we have lost track.
The good thing is the government policies are yielding results. People-centric policies are rewarding to the ordinary man. The ordinary man has a bank account today, a toilet in the house, an internet connection, a gas connection, an electric connection. Has health facilities and education facilities close by. Has connectivity by bus, by train, by air. He is getting the feel of development.
Let us resolve this day that our democracy is dependent only on constitution and constitution expects all its organs to optimally perform for larger good in concert and coordination, and in their respective domains. It is not a question of one institution being at a higher position but certain things are very clear.
Judges are appointed only and only by the president and parliament is the sole authority to take action against them. It is therefore time for us not to be in reaction mode. It is very easy to start a narrative, oh, the Vice-President of the country has said so.
I appeal to you media in particular. I am saying it out of pure heart. I am a foot soldier of judiciary. I have given four decades of my precious life to judiciary. Three decades as senior advocate. Whenever it comes to challenge to judiciary, I am always on the side of judiciary. We are proud of our judiciary. It has global recognition. Our judges have gifted talent but something about it needs notice.
I have no doubt the wisdom of our judges will rise to the occasion and there will be evolution of self-regulation. I firmly believe, whether it is legislature or judiciary, self-regulation is the most effective regulation. Idea is not to join issue. Idea is never to engage into argumentation. Idea is not to have adversarial relationship. Idea is to have a meeting ground. Idea is to ensure that what our founding fathers visualised about constitution, our institutions, we bring that to lustre, to shine, to ultimate performance for larger good.
Boys and girls, I chose these events because they were recent but two events I must hint at you. When I reflected on book release function, author being a former Supreme Court judge, I brought emergency contextually because the rise was placed on doctrine of basic structure evolved in Keshwanand Bharti in 1973 but let me tell you two events that have taken place recently.
They are only to invite your attention from that perspective. One was Samvidhan Divas, because every Bharatiya must know why we celebrate Samvidhan Divas. We are celebrating it for last one decade and Samvidhan Hatya Divas because you boys and girls have no idea the kind of traumatic experience our citizens suffered during emergency.
The impressions on young boys and girls, children, when their parents nationalistic mind, many of them became Ministers, Chief Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and Prime Ministers later on, were detained without any cause, with no access to judiciary. Therefore, on these two days you must devote yourself, think within and act accordingly.
Well I am sure you would have had rewarding experience being connected with one another. By end of the year or early next year, we will be having a get together in Delhi of all the participants till then. So you will have the occasion to intermingle also but on the platform that is being created, be in touch with one another. Whenever you travel to a place, where you find an internist from that place, try to connect with him or her. That will be rewarding experience.
Start sharing your ideas and thoughts because ideation alone is gift of democracy. You have to ideate. The power of ideation, the power of an idea, will define our progress trajectory.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda chairs “Manthan Shivir” organised by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals in New Delhi today Government committed to achieving long-term, sustainable growth in the chemical sector: Shri JP Nadda
Union Minister encourages the participants to devote time regularly on thinking innovative, out of the box ideas and solutions
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 8:27PM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals organised a one day “Manthan Shivir” in New Delhi today, chaired by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, with discussions focussing on fostering long-term development of the Indian chemical and petrochemical sector.
The recommendations emerging from discussions on all the thematic areas were presented before the Union Minister, under whose strategic insight this initiative was implemented. The Union Minister of Chemicals &Fertilizers acknowledged that the Manthan conference is a constructive platform for engaging in thoughtful and comprehensive discussions about the sector’s future.
Shri JP Nadda congratulated the Department for organizing the Manthan Shivir and choosing topics which are of contemporary relevance to the sector. He encouraged the participants to think beyond routine administrative tasks and motivated them to devote time regularly on thinking innovative, out of the box ideas and solutions.
Thanking the representatives of the other Ministries/ Departments for their enthusiastic participation in the deliberations, he suggested that such deliberative processes following a holistic and whole-of-Government approach should be held at regular intervals to avoid policymaking in silos and to help realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also added that this thought process and dialogue should be institutionalised to make it a continuous process.
While acknowledging the challenges that remain, Shri J.P. Nadda emphasized the collective commitment to achieving long-term, sustainable growth in the chemical sector and expressed confidence in the fact that with the right approach, India can build a more resilient and self-reliant industrial ecosystem.
Addressing the meeting Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemical, alluded to the critical importance of India’s chemical sector, pointing out that the industry contributes about 1.4% to GDP and accounts for almost 9% of gross value addition in manufacturing. She noted that while considerable progress has been made in terms of infrastructure development, there is need for more concerted efforts to support the development of the sector in view of ever changing geopolitical realities as well as the vision of the Government for an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
During the day discussions were held which were centred on 6 thematic areas, viz. “Infrastructure Development; Sustainability, Recycling & Circular Economy; Trade Remedial Measures; Boosting Manufacturing Towards Viksit Bharat; Skilled Workforce & Training; and Road Map for Future Ready Plastic Industry”. Each of these topics were deliberated upon in a comprehensive manner by dedicated groups including representatives from other Ministries and Departments such as Revenue, Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Pharmaceuticals, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Science & Technology, Textiles, MSME, MoEFCC, NITI Aayog as well as organisations such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, Central Pollution Control Board, Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology etc.
Mission Amrit Sarovar Reviving India’s Water Heritage through Community-led Conservation
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
India’s water challenges have long demanded both structural and participatory interventions. Against this backdrop, the Government of India launched the Mission Amrit Sarovar in 2022 as a flagship initiative under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The mission aims to construct and rejuvenate75 water bodies in each district across the country, thereby fostering water conservation, ensuring sustainability, and revivingtraditional community water bodies through public participation.
Launched with the vision of building 50,000 Amrit Sarovars by August 15, 2023, the initiative has now been extended and has become a nationwide movement converging rural development, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. It is not merely a reservoir creation initiative—it represents the fusion of national pride, ecological restoration, and grassroots governance. In the backdrop of growing concerns regarding groundwater depletion and rural water scarcity, Mission Amrit Sarovar has emerged as a strategic response—blending tradition with modernity and institutional alignment with public mobilization.
As on March 2025, over68,000 Sarovars have been completed, enhancing surface and groundwater availability across various regions. Under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, over 46,000Sarovars were constructed/rejuvenated. These Sarovars have not only addressed immediate water needs but also established sustainable water sources, symbolizing Government’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Background and Vision
Amrit Sarovars plays an important role in increasing the availability of water, both on surface and under-ground. Development of Amrit Sarovars is also an important symbol of constructive actions, dedicated to the country on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, that create sustainable and long-term productive assets, beneficial to both the living beings and environment.
The Mission Amrit Sarovar was announced on 24th April 2022 by the Prime Minister during the celebration of National Panchayati Raj Day at Palli Gram Panchayat, Samba District, Jammu. Anchored by the Ministry of Rural Development, the initiative involves seven ministries: Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This mission is also supported by the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). This multi-stakeholder approach was intended to ensure convergence, efficiency, and participatoryownership of the initiative. The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has provided a centralized digital platform—amritsarovar.gov.in—which tracks real-time progress at the granular level, ensuring transparency and enabling coordination between departments and states.
The objective of this mission is “construction/rejuvenation of at least 75 Amrit Sarovar (ponds) in every district of the country”. Each Amrit Sarovar is designed to have a pondage area of minimum of 1 acre (0.4 hectare) with water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meter. Importantly, the reservoirs also serve as socio-cultural hubs—many are associated with national heroes and freedom fighters, nurturing a sense of ownership and respect.
The mission’s core vision is to:
Conserve water and promote sustainable water management practices
Strengthen decentralized governance and empower Gram Panchayats
Foster employment under MGNREGA and related schemes
Revive traditional and cultural water structures and community participation
Institutional Convergence and Implementation Mechanism
Mission Amrit Sarovar works are being taken up by the states and districts with convergence from various ongoing schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS), 15th Finance Commission Grants, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojna sub-schemes such as the Watershed Development Component, Har Khet ko Pani, besides States’ own schemes.
For the monitoring of the progress of Amrit Sarovars, following arrangements are in place at the Panchayat level:
Two dedicated Prabharis for each Amrit Sarovar will be positioned i.e. Panchayat Pratinidhi and Panchayat level officer.
Gram Panchayat will nominate Panchayat Pratinidhi, who will act as citizen supervisor, and will be responsible for faithful and fair execution of the Amrit Sarovar in the Panchayat while protecting the community interest.
Panchayat level officer will monitor the progress and ensure faithful implementation of the mission in the panchayat while reporting the progress in the form of document, with appropriate photos and videos.
As per the guidelines of Mission Amrit Sarovar, effective maintenance and sustainability of Amrit Sarovars requires a formation and clear mapping of users’ groups associated with each Sarovar largely drawn from members of SHGs. A User Group is a voluntary group that operates collectively to conserve and manage the Sarovar for promoting water use efficiently. It is a representative body of user members of the Sarovar with adequate representation of women and weaker sections. Proper identification and coordination of these user groups are essential for the optimal use and upkeep of the Sarovars. The user group will also be responsible for the ongoing use and maintenance of the Amrit Sarovar including the plantation activities. The removal of silt from the catchment area should be done by the users’ groups voluntarily after every monsoon season.
Different types of user groups could be formed based on the usage:
Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) / Pani Samiti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, GoI)
Self Help Groups (NRLM)
Fishermen group (Department of Fisheries, Gol)
Van Samiti (Forest Department)
Aquaculture practitioners
Water chestnut cultivators
Lotus cultivators
Makhana cultivators
Duckery
Water for Livestock users
Domestic water users
Any other depending on the socio-economic importance of local lakes
In order to optimize the benefit of the Amrit Sarovars and to ensure that the implementation is done in the most credible manner, latest and most relevant technologies like remote sensing and geospatial are being used extensively from site selection till its completion.
Phase I (April 2022 – August 2023)
Overall, the target to build 50,000 Amrit Sarovar by August 15, 2023, was achieved ahead of schedule. As of May 2023, 59,492 Amrit Sarovar were successfully completed.
Additional to the accomplishment of the Mission target, linking Amrit Sarovar with Panchayat Pratinidhis, Panchayat level officers, user groups were the imperative aspects. About 79,080 Panchayat Pratinidhi and 92,359 Panchayat Level Officers were engaged in the Mission. About 2,203 freedom fighters, 22,993 eldest members of the panchayat, 385 family members of freedom fighters, 742 family members of martyrs and 69 Padma Awardees participated in the Mission.
Each completed Amrit Sarovar has a common signage board stating all the details of the site including the scheme under which it was constructed and mandatory plantation of trees such as Neem, Bargadh, Peepal and any other native trees. About 23,51,331 trees were planted through the Mission out of which 5,32,124 were Neem, 3,65,791 were Peepal, 3,24,945 were Bargadh and 11,28,471 were other native trees.
Phase II (Ongoing Since September 2023)
Phase II of Mission Amrit Sarovar is envisaged to continue with a renewed focus on ensuring water availability, with community participation (Jan Bhagidaari) at its core, and aims to strengthen climate resilience, foster ecological balance, and deliver lasting benefits for future generations. A total of 3,182 sites have been identified under Phase II of the Mission, as of April 17, 2025.
State-Wise Performance Highlights
The top 5 performing states under the Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative as of March 2025, ranked by the number of Amrit Sarovars completed, are:
Rank
State
Number of Amrit Sarovars Completed
1
Uttar Pradesh
16,630
2
Madhya Pradesh
5,839
3
Karnataka
4,056
4
Rajasthan
3,138
5
Maharashtra
3,055
Community Engagement and Innovative Practices
Jan Bhagidari has been the core of this Mission and involves people’s participation at all levels. So far 65,285 user groups have been formed for each Amrit Sarovar. These user groups are fully involved during the entire process of developmentof an Amrit Sarovar viz feasibility assessment, execution and its utilization. To encourage mobilization of citizens and non-Government resources for supplementing the Government’s efforts to achieve the target, explicit provisions have been made in the guidelines of the Mission Amrit Sarovars as follows:
Laying the foundation stone for the Amrit Sarovar to be led by freedom fighter or her/his family member or by the family of martyr (post-independence) or a local Padma awardee, and in case no such citizen is available, by the eldest member of the local Gram Panchayat.
Provision for people to participate by donating construction material, benches and by Shramdaan.
If village community so desires, beautification works on the Sarovar site may mobilize necessary donations through crowd sourcing and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
Provision has been made that on the occasion of Independence Day/ Republic Day, the National Flag is to be hoisted at each Amrit Sarovar site, by the freedom fighter or his/her family member or by the family member of martyr or a local Padma Awardee. On Amrit Sarovars sites, national events are to be celebrated.
Possible users of such water structure, including for irrigation, fishery or water chestnut cultivation, should be identified and creation of their group are encouraged.
The Mission promotes the formation of user groups, particularly among farmers, fisherfolk, and local communities, to ensure optimal use of water resources for irrigation, aquaculture, and allied activities.
Economic and Ecological Impact
Mission Amrit Sarovar is boosting the rural livelihood as the completed Sarovars have been identified for the purpose of different activities such as irrigation, fisheries, duckery, cultivation of water chestnut and animal husbandry, etc. These activities are being carried out by different user groups which are linked to each Amrit Sarovar.
The Ground Water Resources Assessment by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Governments, shows a significant rise in groundwater recharge due to sustained conservation efforts. Recharge from tanks, ponds and water conservation structures increased from 13.98 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) in 2017 to 25.34 BCM in 2024, reflecting the success of water conservation such as Mission Amrit Sarovar and the role of tanks, ponds & water conservation structures in sustaining groundwater levels. These Sarovars have not only addressed immediate water needs but also established sustainable water sources that can be utilised for irrigation and other purposes thereby improving agricultural productivity.
Stories of Success
Rejuvenation of Pond at the near Grave Yard: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The pond has been rejuvenated under Amrit Sarovar and is located at Satellite Basti near Graveyard under Gram Panchayat Govind Nagar, Campbell Bay, Great Nicobar. It is a community use base sarovar which directly benefits the 200 villagers. The work has provided employment to 24 households. Neem and other trees have been planted with tree guards around the sarovar. Along with this, the sarovar is also helpful for the local farmers as moisture remains in the surrounding fields and they use the sarovar water for irrigation and cattle-rearing.
Indpe Gadrahi Pokhar: Bihar
In Jamui district in Bihar is situated Indpe Panchayat, where there was a pond in neglected condition. Indpe Gram Panchayat took decision to rejuvenate this pond. Rejuvenation works were taken up by Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. Thanks to the rejuvenation, this pond has got a new life with attractivelook. Spread across 1.04 acres area, this sarovar has become centre of utmost attraction. It has been beautifully decorated with paver block pathway with proper sitting bench facilities. Plantation has also been done around the area of the pond. Boating facilities have also been started in this pond, which is making it unique and generating livelihood. Installation of solar tree and soar lights are giving tremendous look to this beautifully decorated Amrit Sarovar. An electronic display board has also been established here. Large number of morning walkers are getting health benefits. The Sarovar and the area across it is now most preferred choice for the children to play and enjoy. Naari Shakti Jeevika Group is using this Amrit Sarovar for carrying out the fishery activity.
Fish Pond at Dine Dite Rijo: Arunachal Pradesh
Construction of Fish Pond at Dine Dite Rijo which is a controlled pond, small artificial lake or retention basin that is stocked with fish and is used in aquaculture for fish farming, for recreational fishing, or for ornamental purposes which has been taken up under Mission Amrit Sarovar. The pond is being used to raise fish for sale at a very profitable price. With proper nurturing of fish and management, harvestable food fish production has increased drastically in such a way that it has been utilised for food production. This pond has also been indispensable for livestock rearing, breeding and nurturing of various species of fishes.
Conclusion
Mission Amrit Sarovar stands as a monumental example of cooperative federalism, environmental action, and local democracy. Its blend of cultural reverence, citizen engagement, scientific design, and institutional convergence has allowed it to evolve into a Jan Andolan—a people’s movement for water security. As the nation continues into Amrit Kaal, this mission not only addresses India’s immediate water needs but also lays the foundation for a resilient, water-abundant rural future. The success of Mission Amrit Sarovar will be likely to inspire more such community-centered development models, placing people at the heart of national transformation.