Introduction
The Amrit Dharohar Scheme was announced by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget session 2023–24. This scheme aims at creating awareness among the people regarding the importance of wetlands, conserving environment, and preserving traditional art and crafts. It will help them use wetlands in the best possible way and boost aquatic biodiversity. The scheme encourages exceptional conservation values of the local communities to preserve the valuable wetland ecosystem. It states that the wetlands play a significant role in the environment and must be preserved considering the ways of local communities in looking after the ecosystem. The implementation of the scheme will be done over the next three years.
Highlights of the Scheme
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been allocated Rs 3,079.40 crore. This amounts to an increase of 24 per cent from that of the last year, which was Rs 2,478 crore.
- At present, there are 75 Ramsar sites in India. These are regarded as important wetlands globally.
- This scheme not only promotes conservation of Ramsar sites but also increases opportunities for eco-tourism and income for local communities, along with enhancing carbon stock.
Ramsar Sites
Ramsar sites refer to those wetlands that are recognised as internationally important. These sites have been selected according to the criteria outlined by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971). That is, they are rare, unique, or representative types of wetlands, or are crucial in the conservation of biological diversity. They support a wide range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and endangered aquatic species. Since 2014, there has been a sudden surge in the number of such sites from 26 to 75. This also makes India the only country to have the largest number of Ramsar sites. These 75 Ramsar sites span across 13,26,678 hectares in India.
Main Purposes of the Scheme
- To conserve wetlands The scheme lays emphasis on the protection of India’s wetlands that support aquatic biodiversity, thereby serving as a home to unique and rare species. It focuses on the sustainable development of the ecosystem by taking the assistance of local communities.
- To preserve and encourage traditional art and crafts Under the scheme, artisans, craftsmen, and stakeholders who work towards preserving and encouraging traditional art and crafts of India will be given financial support. As a result, the traditional art forms will get a new life, and more employment opportunities will be generated, thereby facilitating the country’s economy.
- To include local communities Local communities must be encouraged to participate in conservation efforts, as they have always led such initiatives. Several remarkable conservation values of local communities are promoted by the scheme along with enabling these communities to preserve and regulate wetlands.
- To develop environmentally conscious lifestyles The scheme is a part of ‘Green Growth’ which is among the seven priorities of the budget. It focuses on advocating environmentally conscious lifestyles. It strives to make a sustainable future for India by facilitating the use of natural resources sustainably.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
- People like artisans, craftsmen, and stakeholders, who preserve and support traditional art and crafts of India, are entitled to and may apply for financial support.
- Local communities that inhabit the regions inside or around the Ramsar sites are authorised to avail the benefits of the scheme.
- Besides, NGOs and non-profit organisations working towards conserving wetlands and promoting traditional arts and crafts are entitled to and may apply for financial assistance.
- All individuals and organisations in any part of India can avail the benefits of the scheme, without any state-wise restrictions.
- It is mandatory for the applicants to furnish details of their participation in conserving wetlands, and preserving and promoting traditional art and crafts.
- There must be a bank account in the name of the applicants for getting financial support.
- Since the scheme will be implemented for the next three years, the submission of the project proposals by the applicants for financial support must be done within the specified period of time.
Application Procedure for the Scheme
- An inclusive project proposal, meant for either the protection of wetlands or the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and crafts of India, must be submitted by the applicants. The proposal must define the aim of the project, its implementation strategy, scope, budget requirements, and expected outcomes.
- The project proposal must specify how local communities will contribute towards the project.
- The project proposal can be submitted to the MoEFCC either online or in the form of a hard copy.
- A selection committee will assess the proposals and inform the successful applicants regarding the amount granted for their project. This amount will be paid in instalments.
- Successful applicants shall have to note down the expenditure of the project and regularly maintain proper records for the same. Besides, progress reports of the project must be regularly shared with the environment ministry.
Future Potential of the Scheme
- The scheme will help more and more local communities participate in the conservation of the environment.
- The scheme ensures that the process of development does not harm the environment.
- Apart from the growth of traditional arts and crafts in India, the scheme also seeks to strengthen artisans and craftsmen economically.
- Under the scheme, several wetlands and art and craft projects will be selected, which may be recognised both nationally and internationally. As a result, India may earn respect and augment its reputation in facilitating environmental conservation and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Amrit Dharohar Scheme is an important visionary step of the central government, as it emphasises not only on the preservation of wetlands, and traditional art and crafts but also on the empowerment of the local community and sustainable development.
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