What is Atal Bhujal Yojana: Know the Scheme in Detail, Benefits, and Funding

On the occasion of the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday has launched the 'Atal Bhujal Yojana', a scheme which aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation.  

Moreover, Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a Central Sector Scheme with a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore to be implemented over a period of five years. The scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven States - Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. As per reports, implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts.

"The scheme will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioral change with a focus on demand-side management. Groundwater contributes nearly 65 percent of total irrigated area in the country," PM Modi said.

Moreover, Prime Minister stressed on recycling of water and urged farmers to use those crops which consume less water. The Prime Minister said that this is a very important project for the nation and is dedicated to Atal ji.  

'The issue of water was very important and close to Atal Ji's heart ', said Prime Minister adding that the scheme is a step forward in the aim to provide water to every household of the country by 2024.

What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?

The Central Sector Scheme which also named ‘Atal Jal’ aims at improving groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven States -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. It has a total outlay of Rs 6,000 crore which will be implemented over a period of five years from 2020 to 2025. Moreover, ATAL JAL will promote panchayat-led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.

Who Will Fund for the Atal Bhujal Yojana?

As per reports, out of the total outlay of Atal Bhujal Yojana, 50 percent will be in the form of a World Bank loan and be repaid by the Central Government. The remaining 50 percent will be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary support. The entire World Bank's loan component and Central Assistance will be passed on to the states as Grants, says the official.

Who will be benefited from Atal Bhujal Yojana?

As per the official statement, the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in states of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. This scheme will promote Panchayat-led groundwater management and behavioral change with a primary focus on demand-side management.  It is aimed to implement over a period of five years from 2020 to 2025.