In a significant move aimed at strengthening sustainable groundwater management across seven states, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its nod for the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL). With a total outlay of Rs. 6000 crore to be executed over a period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25), the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to addressing water stress in identified priority areas.
Aim and Scope of the Scheme:
ATAL JAL, a Central Sector Scheme partly funded by the World Bank, targets community participation and demand-side interventions for sustainable groundwater management in 8213 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across 229 administrative blocks/Talukas in 80 districts of Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Key Components and Objectives:
The scheme comprises two major components:
1. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building: This component focuses on enhancing institutional arrangements for sustainable groundwater management, improving monitoring networks, capacity building, and strengthening Water User Associations.
2. Incentive Component: It aims to incentivize states for achievements in improved groundwater management practices, including data dissemination, preparation of water security plans, and implementation of management interventions.
Expected Impact and Benefits:
– Strengthened institutional framework for participatory groundwater management.
– Realistic water budgeting based on improved database and community-led Water Security Plans at the Panchayat level.
– Enhanced implementation of Water Security Plans through convergence of various government schemes.
– Improved water use efficiency and sustainable groundwater recharge.
– Source sustainability for the Jal Jeevan Mission with active community participation.
– Contribution to the goal of doubling farmers’ income.
– Promotion of participatory groundwater management and equitable water resource utilization.
Progress and Achievements:
– As of now, public disclosure of groundwater-related information and reports has achieved 64%.
– Community-led Water Security Plans for all 8,213 Gram Panchayats have been updated.
– Around Rs. 1980 Crore has been disbursed for the implementation of interventions proposed in the Water Security Plans.
– An area of approximately 2,27,000.00 hectares has been covered under water-efficient techniques, representing 50% of the target.
– Incentives totaling Rs. 1980 Crore have been released to states based on achievements in Disbursement Linked Indicators.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana signifies a paradigm shift in groundwater management, emphasizing community participation, convergence of schemes, and demand-side management. With its holistic approach and robust implementation framework, the scheme is poised to address the pressing challenge of groundwater depletion and ensure sustainable water resource management for future generations.
