Highlights of Amrit Dharohar Scheme

The Indian government's commitment to preserving the country's wetlands and protecting aquatic biodiversity was recently demonstrated with the announcement of a special scheme called 'Amrit Dharohar'.

This scheme, unveiled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech, aims to foster sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities. This article explores the various facets of this scheme and its significance in preserving India's wetlands and cultural heritage.

What is the Amrit Dharohar Scheme?

The Amrit Dharohar scheme is a visionary initiative by the Indian government that aims to preserve the natural beauty and diversity of the country's wetlands. Over the next three years, the scheme will work towards promoting the optimal use of these valuable ecosystems. Doing so will not only increase eco-tourism and carbon stock but also help the local communities in generating sustainable Income.

Budget 2023: Key Highlights of Amrit Dharohar Scheme

To understand the scheme's importance in the budget, let’s take a closer look at the key highlights from Budget 2023 -

• Falling under the 'Green Growth' priority of the budget, the scheme has allocated Rs. 3,079.40 crore to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which is a 24% increase from the previous year
• India currently has 75 Ramsar sites that serve as wetlands of international importance, providing a habitat for unique and rare biodiversity
• With the Amrit Dharohar scheme, the government aims to promote the conservation values of Ramsar sites, enhance biodiversity, and generate income for local communities

Objectives of the Amrit Dharohar Scheme

The Amrit Dharohar scheme has several objectives, which include:

Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Art and Crafts

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to artisans, craftsmen, and other stakeholders involved in the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian art and crafts. This will not only help in the revival of traditional art forms but also generate employment opportunities and boost the country's Economy

Conservation of Wetlands

The scheme seeks to protect India's wetlands, which are crucial for sustaining aquatic biodiversity and providing a habitat for unique and rare species. By promoting sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities, the scheme aims to enhance biodiversity, carbon stock, and eco-tourism opportunities, and generate income for local communities

Involvement of Local Communities

The scheme emphasises the need for local communities to be involved in conservation efforts, as they have always been at the forefront of such initiatives. The scheme aims to promote the unique conservation values of local communities and involve them in the preservation and management of wetlands and traditional art and crafts

Creation of Environmentally Conscious Lifestyles

The scheme falls under the 'Green Growth' priority of the budget and aims to promote environmentally conscious lifestyles as envisioned by the Hon'ble Prime Minister. By promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, the scheme seeks to create a sustainable future for India

Eligibility Criteria for Amrit Dharohar Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the Amrit Dharohar scheme are as follows:

• Artisans, craftsmen, and other stakeholders involved in the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian art and crafts are eligible to apply for financial assistance under the scheme
• Local communities living in and around wetlands designated as Ramsar sites are eligible to participate in the scheme
• Non-profit organisations and NGOs working in the field of conservation of wetlands and traditional art and crafts are also eligible to apply for financial assistance under the scheme
• The scheme is open to individuals and organisations across India, and there are no state-wise restrictions
• Applicants must provide proof of their involvement in the preservation and promotion of traditional art and crafts or the conservation of wetlands
• Applicants must have a Bank account in their name to receive the financial assistance provided under the scheme
• The scheme is implemented over the next three years, and the applicants must submit their proposals for financial assistance within the given timeline

Application Procedure for Amrit Dharohar Scheme

The application procedure for the Amrit Dharohar scheme is as follows:

• The scheme is implemented over the next three years, and interested applicants must submit their proposals for financial assistance within the given timeline
• Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive project proposal that outlines the project objective, scope, expected outcomes, budget requirements, and implementation plan. The proposed project must either focus on the preservation and promotion of traditional Indian art and crafts or the conservation of wetlands
• Additionally, the project proposal should emphasize the active involvement of local communities in the project and highlight their unique conservation values
• The proposal must be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, either through an online portal or in hard copy
• The proposals will be evaluated by a selection committee, and the successful applicants will be informed about the grant amount awarded for their project
• The grant amount will be provided in installments, depending on the progress of the project
• The successful applicants must maintain proper records of the project expenditure and submit regular progress reports to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Future Prospects of the Scheme

The Amrit Dharohar scheme has a promising future. The following are some future prospects of the scheme:

• The scheme aims to raise awareness among the general public about the importance of wetlands and traditional Indian art and crafts. It will contribute towards increasing awareness about the importance of environmental conservation
• The involvement of local communities will help to increase the engagement of local communities in environmental conservation
• The Amrit Dharohar scheme approach to development ensures that development does not come at the cost of environmental conservation
• The promotion of traditional Indian art and crafts will not only promote the growth of Indian art and crafts but also provide a platform for the economic empowerment of artisans and craftspeople
• The selected wetlands and art and craft projects under the Amrit Dharohar scheme may receive national and international recognition. This recognition will not only promote the conservation of wetlands and Indian art and crafts but also contribute towards enhancing the reputation of India in the field of environmental conservation and cultural heritage

Final Thoughts

The Amrit Dharohar scheme has a bright future ahead, with its focus on sustainable development, local community empowerment, promotion of traditional Indian art and crafts, and environmental conservation. The scheme's successful implementation will have a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and India's cultural heritage.