Atal Bhujal Yojana Expanded

February 11, 2025

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is initiative by the Government of India aimed at sustainable groundwater management. Launched on 25 December 2019, it addresses the critical issue of groundwater depletion in India. The scheme initially targeted seven water-stressed states and is now set to expand to twelve states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Background and Objectives

The Atal Bhujal Yojana was introduced to combat the alarming rate of groundwater depletion in India.
It aims to promote sustainable groundwater management through community participation.
The primary objectives include enhancing groundwater recharge, improving water use efficiency, and establishing state-specific frameworks for groundwater management.

Key Components

The scheme consists of two main components. The first is Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building, with an outlay of Rs 1,400 crore. The second is an Incentive Component, which has a budget of Rs 4,600 crore. These funds are allocated to encourage states to achieve groundwater management targets.

Implementation and Impact

The Atal Bhujal Yojana has already shown positive results since its implementation. Groundwater levels have risen in 813 gram panchayats and 47 blocks across 26 districts. The scheme is designed to run for five years, with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore, half of which is funded by the World Bank.

Community Involvement

One of the core principles of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is community involvement. Local communities and stakeholders play important role in the scheme’s success. The government encourages gram panchayats to participate actively in groundwater management through awareness programs and capacity-building initiatives.

Future Expansion

The expansion of the Atal Bhujal Yojana to five additional states reflects the government’s commitment to addressing groundwater issues nationwide. The scheme’s restructuring as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) will facilitate better resource allocation and management.

Challenges and Considerations

India faces challenges related to groundwater management. Nearly 80% of domestic water supplies rely on groundwater. Dark zones, where groundwater consumption exceeds recharge rates, are increasing. The Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to mitigate these issues through targeted interventions and sustainable practices.

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