Parliament Question: Amrit Dharohar Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4383 TO BE ANSWERED ON 02.04.2026 Amrit Dharohar Scheme 4383. SHRI R. DHARMAR: Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state: (a) the salient features of the Amrit Dharohar Scheme; (b) the details of funds sanctioned, allocated and utilized under the said scheme within Tamil Nadu so far; (c) the number of States initially covered under this scheme; (d) whether Government has covered Tamil Nadu under the scheme; (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the time by which it is likely to be covered; and (f) the details of the target set under the scheme? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (f) The Amrit Dharohar is an initiative under the scheme of ‘National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) launched in 2023 to promote the unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites. The key components are Species and Habitat Conservation, Nature Tourism, Wetlands Livelihoods and Wetlands Carbon Assessment. The expected outcomes of the initiative include the protection and promotion of unique conservation and cultural heritage values, creation of nature tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities, encouragement of optimal and wise use of wetlands, maintenance of their ecological character, safeguarding and enhancing biological diversity and carbon stock. Based on the proposals received from States/UTs, the funding under this initiative is done through NPCA on cost sharing basis between the Centre and States (100% central share for UTs, 90:10 for North East & Himalayan States, and 60:40 for rest of India). All the States and UTs are covered under NPCA. A total amount of about Rs. 17.67 Crores (central share) was released to the State Government of Tamil Nadu under NPCA during 2003-2020 for five wetlands (Kazuveli Kaliveli wetland, Kodaikanal lake, Ooty lake, Pallaikaranai wetland and Point Calimere wetland). The conservation and management activities undertaken in these wetlands include habitat improvement, weed removal, eco-tourism, eco-development, awareness creation, plantation, survey & demarcation, R&D activities, improvement of interpretation centre, etc. ***