Mysuru: Mysuru Zilla Panchayat marked Independence Day in a unique way by hoisting the Tricolour at 85 Amrit Sarovars across the district while creating awareness about water conservation and drought management.
Tricolour was hoisted beside 85 ponds
The ponds had been rejuvenated under Mission Amrit Sarovar with the participation of around 2,125 people through MGNREGA. Local elected representatives and officials hoisted the national flag along with members of self-help groups, youth clubs and civil society organisations.
Schoolchildren presented cultural programmes, including patriotic songs and plays. Saplings were also planted around the ponds as part of the celebrations.
Mysuru Zilla Panchayat CEO S Ukesh Kumar said the programme also created awareness about employment opportunities under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) and encouraged people to use the scheme to support their livelihoods.
Ponds were strengthened to conserve water
Mysuru ZP Deputy Secretary (Development) Bhimappa K Laali said the celebrations were significant amid deficit rainfall and declining groundwater levels. The programme connected the spirit of Independence Day with environmental conservation while remembering those who contributed to India’s freedom.
The 85 ponds, each spread across more than one acre, had been developed over the previous three years under Mission Amrit Sarovar, a nationwide water conservation initiative launched in April 2022.
The ponds were developed using MGNREGA funds, with the average cost estimated at around Rs 60 lakh each. At least 25 local people had been employed under MGNREGA for varying periods during the development of each pond.
Water bodies received major improvements
The works included desilting and excavation to increase storage capacity, strengthening embankments, developing inlet and outlet channels and stabilising slopes.
Catchment areas were also managed to ensure clean rainwater flowed into the ponds. Local tree species such as Neem, Peepal and Banyan had been planted around the water bodies to support local ecology and provide shade.
The 85 Amrit Sarovars had been developed across several taluks, including H D Kote, Hunsur, Mysuru, T Narasipur, Nanjangud, Periyapatna, Saligrama and Sargur.