Bhubaneswar: The housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department signed an agreement and distributed work orders to 364 Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups (SHGs) here Monday for the ecological rejuvenation of 95 water bodies across urban local bodies (ULBs) of the state under the Ama Pokhari initiative. The water bodies, spread across 16 ULBs, will be rejuvenated through the government’s Mukhya Mantri Karma Tatpar Abhiyan (MUKTA) initiative. Speaking on the occasion, H&UD Minister Usha Devi said that the programme, championed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, will not be limited to only reviving water bodies but will also work as a transformative journey of empowerment, sustainability, and community spirit. “Mission Shakti women, who are the heart of this initiative, will educate their communities and spread the word about saving our water bodies. The Ama Pokhari Initiative is about giving the women power to earn, lead, and shape their futures. It’s about showing everyone that women are change makers,” she said.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP