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Unchecked cow dung dumping threatens ‘Amrit Sarovar’ water rejuvenation project

The unchecked disposal of cow dung in village drains is severely affecting the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ project, a Haryana Government initiative launched on April 24, 2022, under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to conserve and rejuvenate rural water bodies. Despite crores...
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Unchecked disposal of cow dung chokes ‘Amrit Sarovar’ project in Karnal. Tribune photo
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The unchecked disposal of cow dung in village drains is severely affecting the ‘Amrit Sarovar’ project, a Haryana Government initiative launched on April 24, 2022, under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to conserve and rejuvenate rural water bodies.

Despite crores of rupees being spent on these Sarovars, poor maintenance and villagers’ lack of cooperation are threatening their effectiveness. The wastewater treatment systems, designed to filter water for irrigation and other uses, are frequently choked by cow dung and other waste.

According to sources, at least 20 villages in Karnal district —including Ramba, Chochra and Ballah — are facing severe issues due to cow dung disposal into drains.

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In Karnal district, the government initially sanctioned 75 Sarovars, later expanding the plan to cover all water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar scheme. Further, the government announced an upgrade to ‘Amrit Plus Sarovars’, incorporating pathways, landscaping, seating areas and park lighting.

The cost of developing an Amrit Sarovar is approximately Rs 18 lakh per acre, while upgrading it to Amrit Plus costs around Rs 29-30 lakh per acre. However, village panchayats, responsible for maintenance, often lack funds and resources, leading to neglect.

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The Panchayati Raj Department, along with the Irrigation Department and Micro Irrigation Command Area Development Authority (MICADA), oversees the project. The government has increased the number of sanctioned Sarovars to 205, with 20 Amrit Plus Sarovars completed and inaugurated, 15 awaiting inauguration and 35 more under development.

The government has allocated Rs 170 crore for the project, of which Rs 35.86 crore has already been spent. However, despite regular cleaning efforts, ground reports highlight severe neglect and ongoing contamination.

Many villagers drain cow dung-laden wastewater into these Sarovars, while others use pond banks to make cow dung cakes, leading to contamination and deterioration of the water and spoiling beautification efforts.

A local official admitted, “Cleaning is being done, but the purpose is getting defeated due to the continuous mixing of cow dung and wastewater.”

To tackle the issue, officials plan to launch a pilot project in 20 villages where the problem is most severe.

Parminder Singh, XEN, Panchayati Raj Department, said, “We are facing a major challenge due to cow dung being diluted and drained into ponds, which chokes the treatment system. The purpose of these Sarovars is to treat wastewater and use it for irrigation. We are working on a mechanism to prevent cow dung from reaching the ponds. A pilot project will be taken up soon in 20 villages to tap waste at the source.”

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