Honble Prime Minister, as part of the commemorative celebration of the 75th anniversary of our independence, envisioned protecting traditional water bodies for ensuring water security of cities by involving youth and the community. Bearing this vision in mind, the Government of India has launched "Mission Amrit Sarovar - Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan” .

MoHUA has identified 300+ culturally and historically significant water bodies across the country. Under the mission, 2 water bodies were taken up by the Faculty of Architecture & Ekistics, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi to carry out the studies about rejuvenating and preserving traditional local water bodies to ensure water security and community development. An Institute Nodal Officer (INO) along with 15 students as interns were assigned to each water body. On successful completion, each intern will get a stipend of Rs 10,000/- and certificate by AICTE-MoHUA. The two selected water bodies are as below

• Rajaon ki Baoli Dogne (INO), Team Lead-Madiha Khanam
• Baoli at Feroz Shah Kotla Hina Zia (INO), Team Lead- Tanya

• History and spatio-temporal analyses;
• Hydrological studies, conservation of catchment areas;
• Preparing maps of the water body and its surroundings;
• Taking photographs that capture the essence of the water body;
• Reimagining the areas as a vibrant public space;
• Action plan for rejuvenation of the water body.

As part of the mission, deliverables of the outcome of studies were to be submitted and displayed through posters, detailed report and photographs on the GOI portal and at multiple appropriate locations for community awareness. For wider circulation and creating awareness and feedback on the findings, the outcomes of the study were also published on twitter and other social media platforms.

Both teams took the task in the right earnest from the very beginning of the project (Project duration 1 July 2022 to 5th August 2022). They collected the data/ information pertaining to the water bodies through both primary and secondary sources and also conducted multiple interviews with experts. The teams also interacted with the local people/tourists. Each intern submitted his daily progress report online to AICTE while concerned INO submitted weekly progress report of the water body.

Limited information was available about these water bodies. Due to modern practices of water supply system, relevance of these traditional water bodies in the societal context has been lost. As a result, these historical heritages didn’t get the due attention and are in dilapidated condition (physically) and disconnected with the people at large. These historical heritages still have very sound potential to be preserved and rejuvenated. Rejuvenation plan for these water bodies have also been proposed as part of the outcome of the study. In addition, students were very appreciative of their societal concern and responsibility. This mission has also stimulated the students’ creativity in finding out the solutions of real life problems and provided excellent opportunity to interact with various stakeholders while working on any societal challenge.

Snapshots of the final posters submitted to AICTE and displayed at the suggested locations by ASI/local body is given below.

Team “Mission Amrit Sarovar – Jal Dharohar Sanrakshan Internship”