Bishunpur’s Amrit Sarovar Becomes a Hub of Livelihood Activities for Villagers

Bishunpur, Koriya | Sept 2025 : Human-made ponds are among the oldest systems of water conservation and groundwater recharge. Building on this tradition, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has been implementing the Mission Amrit Sarovar in recent years, the benefits of which are now becoming visible in rural areas.

In Bishunpur village, under Baikunthpur Janpad Panchayat, an old pond had become unusable due to silt accumulation. However, under Mission Amrit Sarovar, the pond was renovated and has now transformed into a highly useful multipurpose water resource for the Gram Panchayat. Its water storage capacity has tripled, and today, it is being used for irrigating surrounding farmlands. Along with irrigation, livelihood activities such as fish farming have also begun, providing women’s groups with an additional source of income.

Unique Features of Amrit Sarovars
Under this campaign, ponds with an area of at least one acre, which had become unusable due to siltation or encroachment, were selected for renovation. Each pond was restored to ensure at least 10,000 cubic meters of water storage capacity and made suitable for livelihood activities like fish farming. To encourage public participation, community events such as flag hoisting on national festivals, cleanliness drives, plantation, and Yoga Day activities are regularly organized at these sites.

Amrit Sarovar Renovated through MGNREGA
In Bishunpur Gram Panchayat, the renovation of the pond was undertaken under Mission Amrit Sarovar through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). Based on the Gram Panchayat’s proposal, administrative approval of ₹9.14 lakh was sanctioned for the project. Upon completion, the pond’s capacity increased to over 10,000 cubic meters, more than three times its earlier capacity.

A Source of Livelihood for Dozens of Villagers
The renovated Amrit Sarovar has now become a key livelihood resource for dozens of families in Bishunpur. Local residents shared that 41 households directly benefit from the pond through irrigation for farming and fish farming activities. The pond now facilitates irrigation across 14 acres of farmland and ensures year-round drinking water for around 200 livestock.

Empowering Women through Fish Farming
Amrit Sarovar has also become a source of economic empowerment for women. The local self-help women’s group, allotted the pond on lease for fish farming, now earns up to ₹2 lakh annually. This arrangement also provides the Gram Panchayat with a steady income.

A Center of Community Participation
The renovated pond has evolved into a center for community gatherings. Local representatives hoist the national flag on significant occasions, while cleanliness drives, plantation programs, and yoga sessions on International Yoga Day are regularly organized with active public involvement. These activities have made Bishunpur’s Amrit Sarovar a unique hub of participation and identity for the entire village.