Plan worth crores, still the condition of Amrit Sarovar is bad

Prayagraj. Amrit Sarovar Scheme, which was started with the aim of promoting water conservation, now seems to be a victim of neglect in many places. Amrit Sarovar built in many villages of Prayagraj district are dry despite monsoon rains. Villagers say that when these were normal ponds, they were more useful, but after Amrit Sarovar was built, they could not be maintained and the situation kept getting worse. Under MNREGA, Amrit Sarovars were constructed for the purpose of water conservation and increasing the ground water level in the villages. Under the scheme, a target was set to improve the old ponds by beautifying and developing them. But the current condition of these lakes in many areas of the district is raising questions on the success of the scheme. Lakes remain dry even in monsoon Badokhar and Baghol of Yamunapar area of Prayagraj and Amrit Sarovar of Holagarh and Kasturipur villages of Gangapar area are showing a picture of poor condition. According to the villagers, water is not stopping in these ponds even during the rainy season. At many places the lakes are dry and dust is seen flying everywhere. Villagers say that after the construction of Amrit Sarovar, it was expected that the water crisis in the villages would reduce and people would get better facilities, but due to lack of maintenance, the situation has become worse than before. Earlier ponds were more useful Local people said that when these were normal ponds, they were used by villagers for many purposes. Except for a few days in summer, water was available most of the time. These ponds were used for water for animals, surrounding fields and other needs. Villagers say that after the construction of Amrit Sarovar, some work was done initially, but later no attention was paid. Neither regular cleaning was done nor effective arrangements were made for water conservation. Lack of maintenance became a major reason According to the villagers, merely constructing ponds is not enough. Arrangements for their constant care, cleaning and watering are necessary. If soil cleaning, drainage and other important works are not done from time to time, such lakes will gradually become useless. Local people have demanded from the administration that the condition of Amrit Sarovars should be investigated and the damaged ponds should be made useful again. Questions raised on the purpose of water conservation The main objective of Amrit Sarovar Yojana was to promote water conservation in rural areas, improve ground water level and deal with water crisis. But seeing the condition of these lakes in many villages of Prayagraj, questions are being raised on the implementation of the scheme. Villagers say that if these water sources are properly taken care of, they can prove to be very useful for the villages. It is the responsibility of the administration that the lakes created should not be limited to mere papers, but should actually benefit the villagers. At present, the villagers have raised the demand to remove the poor condition of Amrit Sarovars and make them useful again. Now it remains to be seen what steps the administration takes in this direction.