Odisha brings ‘Ama Pokhari’ scheme to rejuvenate its urban water bodies

Odisha wants to revive and rejuvenate its water bodies in the cities and big towns of the state that has been reeling under water pollution and water bodies’ encroachment for long. Marking a significant move towards renovation of large sized ponds in urban spaces of Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched a new scheme called ‘Ama Pokhari’.

More than 2,000 large sized water bodies will be rejuvenated in the coming days under the purview of the new scheme. These water ponds are located in more than 115 urban areas of Odisha. The general public living in the urban spaces are key beneficiaries in the view of the new scheme. The cleaning, renovation and complete rejuvenation work of the water bodies will be done by the state government through Mission Shakti Women Self-Help Groups and educated youths of Odisha. The Chief Minister said that Mission Shakti and women workforce in the villages of the state have already been doing good work for the society.

Odisha is water rich state but increasing urbanization and burgeoning industrial activities has put immense pressure on the water bodies of the state in terms of pollution and illegal encroachments.

The Odisha government will invest more than Rs 120 crores under the scheme to bring back the water bodies to their pristine state. Natural and organic technologies and means will be employed to rejuvenate water bodies.

During the scheme launch function, the Odisha Chief Minister also felicitated the urban local bodies (ULBs) of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Berhampur for being successful in the pilot project of Ama Pokhari scheme.

The CM held that they are partnering in the development of Odisha. The rejuvenated water bodies under the ‘Ama Pokhari’ scheme will become the centres of recreation. Families, school children and travellers can avail the facilities at water bodies as it will provide a healthy atmosphere.