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Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as India's leading state in water conservation, setting a national benchmark through an extensive campaign led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The state has constructed a record 20,000 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) and built or rejuvenated nearly 1.75 lakh ponds over the past five years.

With these achievements, Uttar Pradesh now accounts for around 27% of all Amrit Sarovars created across the country, making it the top-performing state under the flagship initiative. Over Rs.16,000 Crore Spent on Water Conservation

During the last five financial years, the Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken water conservation projects worth more than Rs.16,000 crore. These initiatives have significantly transformed rural areas by improving water availability, strengthening agriculture, raising groundwater levels, and boosting the rural economy.

The large-scale conservation effort is already showing visible results in farming productivity, environmental sustainability, and village livelihoods.

More Focus on Water Security Under Rural Employment Schemes

To expand water conservation, the state has increased the number of eligible water-related works under its rural development programmes.

Earlier, under MGNREGA, 78 out of 266 permissible works were linked to water conservation. Under the Vibrant Village–Gramya Rural Mission (VB-GRAM-G), 107 out of 318 approved works now focus on water security and conservation.

Key activities include:

 

• Construction of check dams
• Soak pit development
• Rooftop rainwater harvesting structures
• New ponds and reservoirs
• Restoration of existing water bodies
• Embankment construction
• Land bunding
• Large-scale plantation drives

Uttar Pradesh Far Ahead of Other States

Uttar Pradesh has outperformed every other state in the construction of Amrit Sarovars. Madhya Pradesh, which ranks second, trails significantly, with Uttar Pradesh creating nearly three times as many Amrit Sarovars.

The success is attributed not only to government-led infrastructure projects but also to strong community participation in restoring and preserving local water resources. Water Conservation Becomes a People's Movement

The Yogi government has transformed the Amrit Sarovar initiative from a construction programme into a community-driven movement.

Across villages, old ponds are being revived, new water bodies are being created, rainwater harvesting is being promoted, and local communities are actively involved in protecting water resources. These efforts have improved water availability and provided long-term solutions for drought-prone and water-stressed regions.

Major Benefits for Agriculture, Groundwater and Environment

The extensive network of Amrit Sarovars and restored ponds has delivered substantial benefits to the agricultural sector.

Improved irrigation facilities have reduced water shortages for farmers, while groundwater levels have shown noticeable improvement. Increased greenery around water bodies has enhanced biodiversity and strengthened local environmental conservation efforts.

Rural Economy Gets a Boost

The water conservation campaign has also created new livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Activities such as fish farming, livestock rearing, irrigation-based farming, and other water-dependent enterprises have expanded around the Amrit Sarovars. Rural employment has increased through development programmes, while improved water availability has contributed to higher agricultural output and increased farmers' incomes.

Uttar Pradesh Emerges as a National Model

By integrating water conservation with rural development, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, Uttar Pradesh has developed a model that is now being studied by other states.

The large-scale construction of Amrit Sarovars, restoration of traditional ponds, and widespread community participation demonstrate how strategic planning and effective implementation can provide long-term solutions to water scarcity. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership, Uttar Pradesh has established itself as a national leader in water conservation.