Atal Bhujal Yojana

What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?

Atal Bhujal Yojana was launched on 25th December 2019 to improve groundwater levels and reduce water wastage across India. Managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the scheme targets regions with serious groundwater stress and operates in seven water-challenged states. It aims to encourage sustainable water use through community participation and better planning. The total budget is ₹6,000 crore, with half funded by the World Bank and the rest by the Government of India.

Atal Bhujal Yojana Overview

Atal Bhujal Yojana

Groundwater is a crucial natural resource, and in many parts of India, it is running low due to overuse. To help solve this problem, the Government of India launched the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY). This scheme aims to protect and manage groundwater resources by involving local people and improving water use planning at the village level. 

If you’re facing water shortages in your area, this will help you understand how the government is working to fix it and how you can benefit.

Objectives of Atal Bhujal Yojana

The program covers 7 states and benefits over 8,000 Gram Panchayats across 78 districts. Its main goals are:

  1. Strengthen the system for tracking groundwater use 
  1. Train and educate local people on water conservation 
  1. Build a solid groundwater data system 
  1. Encourage water budgeting at the local level 
  1. Help villagers create and follow Water Security Plans (WSPs) 
  1. Support actions like drip irrigation, crop changes, and energy-saving techniques

Eligibility for Atal Bhujal Yojana

Only the following seven states are currently part of the scheme:

  1. Gujarat
  1. Haryana
  1. Karnataka
  1. Madhya Pradesh
  1. Maharashtra
  1. Rajasthan
  1. Uttar Pradesh

If you live in one of these states and your village is included, you may be eligible to take part in and benefit from this program.

Features of Atal Bhujal Yojana

1. Better Groundwater Management

The scheme focuses on building strong systems for managing groundwater. This includes creating a database, using scientific methods, and training local people. Activities under this include:

  1. Training programs for officials and villagers 
  1. Creating local Water Security Plans 
  1. Independent monitoring and audits 

2. Rewarding Good Performance

The government will give funds to states and local bodies that take effective steps to manage water properly. Around ₹4,600 crore is set aside for performance-based rewards.

3. Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs)

States will receive funds based on certain achievements. These include:

  1. Sharing groundwater data with the public (10%)
  1. Creating community-led Water Security Plans (15%)
  1. Using funds from other schemes for water efforts (20%)
  1. Promoting water-saving farming practices (40%)
  1. Reducing the fall in groundwater levels (15%)

Benefits of Atal Bhujal Yojana

This scheme brings many advantages, such as:

  1. Involving communities in saving groundwater 
  1. Financial rewards for states and villages that take action 
  1. Helping farmers grow more income through better water use 
  1. Reducing water waste with efficient farming techniques 
  1. Encouraging smarter crop choices that use less water 

How Can You Use This Scheme?

If you live in a village covered by the scheme, you can reach out to your local government or water department. You can also get involved by helping create and follow your village’s Water Security Plan. There is also a Contact Us section on the official ABHY website where you can connect directly with officials

FAQs on Atal Bhujal Yojana

  • Why was Atal Bhujal Yojana launched?

    It was launched to stop the fast decline in groundwater levels and promote efficient use of water by involving local communities.

  • Which states are covered under Atal Bhujal Yojana?

    The scheme covers seven states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. 

  • Who manages the Atal Bhujal Yojana?

    The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, with support from the World Bank. 

  • What are the main goals of the scheme?

    Its goals include improving groundwater data, training local people, encouraging water budgeting, and creating water security plans. 

  • How is the funding of Atal Bhujal Yojana arranged?

    The total budget is ₹6,000 crore — 50% from the Government of India and 50% as a loan from the World Bank.

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