Discover how the Atal Bhujal Yojana tackles India's groundwater challenges with community participation, efficient water use, and financial support.

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a vital initiative under the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation in India, is a pioneering government scheme addressing groundwater management. Atal Bhujal Yojana focuses on implementing supply-side interventions and encourages the adoption of water-efficient practices. It actively engages local communities, including farmers, village panchayats, and water user associations.
2. Groundwater is indispensable for India’s agricultural and domestic needs, but its unsustainable use has led to depletion, necessitating intervention. Atal Bhujal Yojana was launched in December 2019, following approval from the World Bank in 2018, as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to improve water management across the country.
3. Atal Bhujal Yojana’s core objective is to strengthen the institutional framework for participatory groundwater management. It acknowledges the pivotal role of local communities and stakeholders in tackling groundwater depletion. Understanding initiatives like Atal Bhujal Yojana is crucial for competitive exams, such as the UPSC, where questions about government programs are common. These initiatives play a significant role in shaping India’s sustainable water future.

The Objective of Atal Bhujal Yojana

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana Groundwater’s main objective is to enhance water conservation and sustainable groundwater management.
2. It focuses on public participation and community involvement in seven priority states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
3. The scheme targets approximately 8,350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts of these states.
4. Atal Bhujal Yojana Groundwater promotes aquifer mapping, capacity building, and the formation of water user associations.
5. It encourages communities to actively participate in information dissemination and technology adoption for improved water resource management.
6. The scheme emphasises behavioral changes within Gram Panchayats, with a focus on demand-side management and responsible water usage.
7. It aligns with the broader goal of sustainable groundwater management, ensuring judicious water usage and effective conservation.
8. Atal Bhujal Yojana Groundwater represents India’s proactive step toward a more secure and resilient water future, with a strong emphasis on local participation, informed decision-making, and technological advancements.

Important Facts about Atal Bhujal Yojana

• Date of Launch: Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) was launched on 25th December 2019, coinciding with the 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• Ministry: Atal Bhujal Yojana falls under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Official Website: You can find more details about the scheme on the official website: http://mowr.gov.in/schemes/atal-bhujal-yojana.
• Scheme Type: It is categorised as a Central Sector Scheme.
• Components: Atal Bhujal Yojana comprises two main components:

1. Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building (Outlay – ₹ 1400 crore)
2. Incentive (Outlay – ₹ 1600 crore)

• Total Outlay: The scheme boasts a total outlay of ₹ 6000 Crore.
• Implementation Period: Atal Bhujal Yojana is set to be implemented from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
• States Covered: The scheme is dedicated to the sustainable management of groundwater resources in seven states, which are Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• World Bank’s Support: The World Bank has pledged assistance of $450 million to bolster the Atal Bhujal Yojana.

Funding of the Scheme

1. Atal Bhujal Yojana, also known as Atal Jal, secures its significant budget of INR 6000 crore through a well-balanced funding structure. This approach combines INR 3,000 crore from a World Bank loan and an equal contribution of INR 3,000 crore from the Government of India (GoI), demonstrating a harmonious blend of funding sources. The scheme operates with the intent to promote responsible groundwater management and conservation across India.
2. Crucially, the funds provided under the scheme are channeled as grants-in-aid to the states, ensuring the direct and purposeful distribution of financial resources. This approach enables efficient and sustainable groundwater resource management by facilitating grant utilisation.
3. Furthermore, Atal Bhujal Yojana’s unique financing mechanism leverages the innovative Program for Results (PforR) lending instrument offered by the World Bank. This framework ties disbursements to the achievement of pre-agreed results, instilling a sense of accountability and effective fund utilisation. This funding structure highlights the collaborative efforts between international organisations and the Government of India, underscoring their commitment to advancing the cause of sustainable water management and conservation.

Scope of Atal Bhujal Yojana 

The Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) embarks on a vital mission to address critical issues related to sustainable groundwater management in India, encompassing a wide spectrum of initiatives. This visionary scheme focuses on several key areas, marking a significant shift in the approach to this precious resource:

1. Groundwater Management: Atal Bhujal Yojana recognises the pressing need to manage and conserve groundwater effectively. It seeks to combat water scarcity and promote sustainable water management practices.
2. Water Conservation: An essential aspect of the scheme is water conservation. Atal Bhujal Yojana encourages the efficient use of water resources and the adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques to replenish groundwater sources.
3. Community Participation: The scheme places a strong emphasis on community participation. By engaging local communities in water management, it ensures that solutions are tailored to specific needs and challenges.
4. Climate Change Resilience: With climate change affecting water tables and availability, Atal Bhujal Yojana aims to make water management practices resilient to changing environmental conditions.

As part of its comprehensive approach, the scheme excludes certain investment categories. These include large-scale infrastructure projects such as major dams and industrial wastewater collection for groundwater recharge. Activities that have significant adverse impacts on the environment or involve high-value contracts for procurement may also not be eligible for financing.

India’s Groundwater Problem is a pressing concern that Atal Bhujal Yojana strives to combat. Nearly 80% of domestic water supplies, both in rural and urban areas, rely on groundwater sources. Alarming reports by the World Bank attribute about 25% of global groundwater abstraction to India due to the emergence of groundwater dark zones.

Groundwater dark zones are areas where the consumption of groundwater exceeds the annual rate of recharge, leading to overexploitation. The government maintains a record of these dark zones, acknowledging the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to this water crisis. Atal Bhujal Yojana is a beacon of hope, ushering in a new era of sustainable groundwater management in India, addressing the challenges head-on, and driving positive change at the grassroots level. 

Benefits of Atal Bhujal Yojana

The Atal Bhujal Yojana, a flagship initiative by the Central Government, heralds a new era of sustainable groundwater management in India. This visionary scheme encompasses a range of benefits aimed at addressing water scarcity and promoting responsible water resource utilisation. Here are the key advantages of the Atal Bhujal Yojana:

1. Groundwater Management Demonstration: The scheme focuses on demonstrating effective groundwater management practices in regions grappling with water scarcity.
2. Identification of Critical Areas: The government has identified seven critical areas in the country where groundwater management will be a priority. These areas include Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.
3. Rural Drought Mitigation: The scheme is especially beneficial for rural areas suffering from drought conditions, ensuring they receive the support needed for water security.
4. Collaborative Efforts: Both central and state government agencies collaborate to implement groundwater management measures, fostering synergy and comprehensive solutions.
5. Extensive Coverage: Atal Bhujal Yojana has been initiated in approximately 8,353 water crisis-affected panchayats, ensuring extensive coverage and impact.
6. Financial Assistance: States identified under the scheme will receive financial assistance in the form of grants, supporting the implementation of critical water management measures.
7. Substantial Investment: The scheme boasts a substantial budget of ₹ 6,000 crore, signifying the government’s commitment to tackling groundwater challenges effectively.
8. Community Participation: Atal Bhujal Yojana places a strong emphasis on community participation, recognising that local involvement is crucial for sustainable water management.
9. World Bank Support: To bolster groundwater management, the scheme secures 50% of its funding from the World Bank, further strengthening its financial capacity.
10. Government Contribution: The Government of India contributes the remaining 50% of the required funds, highlighting a collaborative approach between national and international entities.

How to Download Atal Ground Water Mobile App

Downloading the Atal Ground Water Mobile App is a straightforward process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to access this valuable tool:

• Step 1: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the official Atal Ground Water website at ataljal.mowr.gov.in.
• Step 2: Once you’re on the website’s home page, look for the ‘Atal Jal APP Apk Download’ option. This is where you’ll initiate the download process.
• Step 3: Click on the ‘Atal Jal APP APK Download’ option. This action triggers the download process.
• Step 4: The mobile application will start downloading to your device as soon as you click the download option. The download time may vary depending on your internet connection speed.
• Step 5: Once the download is complete, you’ll need to install the mobile application on your device. Locate the downloaded file, often found in your device’s ‘Downloads’ folder, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
• Step 6: You’ve completed the process of downloading the Atal Ground Water Mobile App. You can now open the app and start benefiting from its features and information related to groundwater management. 

Atal Bhujal Yojana Apply Online

Applying for Atal Bhujal Yojana is a simple and streamlined process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to submit your application online:

• Step 1: Start by opening your web browser and heading to the official website of the Atal Groundwater Scheme.
• Step 2: Once you’re on the website’s homepage, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the available information.
• Step 3: Locate and click on the ‘Apply’ option on the homepage. This will initiate the application process.
• Step 4: After clicking ‘Apply,’ a new page will open on your screen. This is where you will provide the necessary details for your application.
• Step 5: On the new page, enter all the required information as accurately as possible. This may include personal details, contact information, and other relevant data.
• Step 6: You’ll also need to upload essential documents, such as identification, certificates, or any other materials specified in the application requirements.
• Step 7: Once you’ve filled in all the necessary information and uploaded the required documents, click on the ‘Submit’ option to complete your application.
• Step 8: You should receive a confirmation message or email indicating that your application has been successfully submitted.

Financial Allocation to Relevant Potential Areas Under the Scheme

In each of these states across the nation, the Government of India will extend financial support through the Atal Groundwater Scheme to address water-related challenges in their respective districts. A comprehensive list of these states and districts is provided below for reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

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