The government of India has launched a mission called ‘Amrit Sarovar’ as part of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration. The mission aims to create 75 ponds in each district of the country and build 50,000 Amrit Sarovars by August 15, 2023. The Indian army in the Southern States has also decided to contribute to this initiative by rejuvenating and developing Sarovars in towns and villages. This will help with water harvesting, conservation, and increasing water availability. The Southern Command has identified 75 sites for this initiative and various army establishments are working towards it.
The Army Ordnance Corps (AOC) centre in Telangana and Andhra sub-area has been tasked with developing an Amrit Sarovar. The Sarovar covers an area of 1.2 acres and will help boost groundwater levels and provide a habitat for local flora and fauna. Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Southern Command, inaugurated the Amrit Sarovar at the AOC centre. He commended the AOC centre for their efforts in water conservation and creating a center for community activities.
Around 11,000 medicinal and herbal plant saplings have been planted around the Amrit Sarovar. Natural shrubs have been planted on its bunds to create a natural bio-retaining wall. A pathway with lighting and seating benches has been created for walking, and an open gymnasium and figure ‘8’ walking track have been made for the health benefit of all.
