Mission Amrit Sarovar is an ambitious programme launched by the Government of India on 24 April 2022 with the aim of developing and rejuvenating 75 water bodies in each district of the country as part of celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. In order to contribute positively to this noble objective, Trishakti Corps Indian Army initiated efforts to create/resuscitate seven water bodies in North Bengal and Sikkim. These include Bitang Cho Lake, Chhangu Lake (12,400 Feet), Hangu Lake (13,900 Feet) and Gyam Chona Lake (17,000 Feet) in Sikkim and Ponds at Sukna, Bengdubi and Binnaguri.
As part of the initiative, Bengdubi Military Station took up the project to create an Amrit Sarovar in its area of responsibility. The Amrit Sarovar was conceptualized as a perennial source of fresh water, with dimensions of 100m x 80m and a water depth of 2m.
The ground breaking for the project commenced in January 2023. It was conceptualized as a completely self-help project, with available local resources, limited earthmoving equipment and manual effort by troops and defence civilians. Over a short period of seven months, the Amrit Sarovar took shape as a landmark initiative with a copious water body with an excellent natural ambience. Flanked by the vast open spaces of Bengdubi Military Station on three sides and the majestic Darjeeling Hills on the North, the Amrit Sarovar has emerged as a striking ecological attraction. Migratory birds are drawn to the placid waters of the Sarovar, giving a feast to the eyes of nature lovers.
Bengdubi Military Station dedicated the Amrit Sarovar to the community on 15 Aug 2023 in a solemn ceremony marked by the hoisting of the National Flag and a brief inauguration ritual. Present of the occasion was Shri Raju Bista, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Darjeeling, as the Chief Guest. Sub (Hony Capt) Gyanendra Kumar Rai, Vir Chakra (Retd) and Hony Capt Tanka Kumar Limbu, Shaurya Chakra (Retd), both Gallantry Award winning Veterans as well as Veer Naris Smt Fulkumari Munda, w/o Late Rifleman Sanjay Oraon, Smt Pragya Chettrij, w/o Late Paratrooper Siddhant Chettri and spouses of late soldiers all of who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, were in attendance. Senior officials from the local administration were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Raju Bista, Member of Parliament mentioned that Mission Amrit Sarovar is a key environment conservation project being sponsored by the Govt of India. He appreciated the efforts of Bengdubi Military Station and the Trishakti Corps in conceptualizing and implementing the project. The Amrit Sarovar is expected to be one of the key landmarks and unique attraction of Bengdubi Military Station in times to come.
(Source: Trishakti Corps, Indian Army)
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
