Water is the most essential resource for life, and in India, groundwater is the backbone of domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs. However, increasing demand, unsustainable use, and poor recharge practices have led to serious concerns about groundwater depletion. According to reports, India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, accounting for around 25% of global extraction.
To address this critical challenge, the Government of India launched the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY), also known as Atal Jal, on 25th December 2019, on the occasion of 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was designed as a community-led, participatory groundwater management scheme with financial support from the World Bank. In this blog, we have provided all the details about the yojana, its features, benefits, and more.
What is Atal Bhujal Yojana?
Atal Bhujal Yojana is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at sustainable management of groundwater resources in water-stressed areas.
- Launch Date: 25 December 2019
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
- Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Funding Pattern: 50% Government of India + 50% World Bank
- Outlay: ₹6000 crore (₹3000 crore GoI + ₹3000 crore World Bank loan)
- Implementation Period: 2020–21 to 2024–25
- Target States: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh
- Coverage: 78 districts, 193 blocks, 8353 Gram Panchayats
Why was the Atal Bhujal Yojana Launched?
India is experiencing an alarming rate of groundwater depletion.
- Around 80% of India’s domestic water supply (rural and urban) depends on groundwater.
- 30% of blocks in India are already in over-exploited or critical conditions as per the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
- North-western states like Punjab, Haryana, and western UP are predicted to face critically low groundwater availability by 2025.
- The World Bank report highlights that unsustainable extraction practices have made India responsible for a significant share of global groundwater stress.
What are the Objectives of Atal Bhujal Yojana?
The scheme has a two-fold objective:
- Strengthening the institutional framework for participatory groundwater management.
- Encouraging behavioral change at the community level through capacity building and awareness campaigns.
Specific objectives include:
- Promoting community-led Water Security Plans (WSPs).
- Focusing on demand-side management instead of only supply-side interventions.
- Enhancing groundwater recharge through traditional and modern methods.
- Improving water use efficiency, especially in irrigation.
- Ensuring convergence of Central and State schemes for better resource utilization.
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How is Atal Bhujal Yojana Implemented?
The scheme is implemented through states, with community participation as its core principle. The key features are as follows:
| Component | Details |
| Community Participation | – Local communities prepare Water Security Plans (WSPs) at the Gram Panchayat level. – Encourages ownership and accountability at the grassroots level. |
| Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building (₹1400 crore) | – Training programs, awareness campaigns, and institution building. – Strengthens data collection and water governance mechanisms. |
| Incentive Component (₹4600 crore) | – Grants to states and Gram Panchayats for achieving groundwater management targets. – Promotes performance-based outcomes. |
| Integration with Other Schemes | – Linked with Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, and Jal Shakti Abhiyan for convergence. |
| Program for Results (PforR) Funding | – World Bank funds are released based on achievement of pre-agreed results, not inputs. |
Which States are Covered Under Atal Bhujal Yojana?
The scheme targets seven states with severe groundwater stress.
| State | Districts | Blocks | Gram Panchayats |
| Gujarat | 6 | 24 | 1,816 |
| Haryana | 13 | 36 | 1,895 |
| Karnataka | 14 | 41 | 1,199 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 5 | 9 | 678 |
| Maharashtra | 13 | 35 | 1,339 |
| Rajasthan | 17 | 22 | 876 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 10 | 26 | 550 |
| Total | 78 | 193 | 8,353 |
What are the Challenges of Groundwater Management in India?
The main challenges that were being faced are as follows:
- Over-extraction for irrigation: Irrigation consumes 80% of total water use.
- Climate change impacts: Unpredictable monsoon and rising temperatures affect recharge.
- Urbanization: Rapid expansion of cities reduces natural recharge zones.
- Poor infrastructure: Leaky pipes, lack of rainwater harvesting, and inefficient systems.
- Deforestation and soil erosion: Reduce natural infiltration.
- Lack of real-time data: Only 14% of over-exploited blocks are officially “notified.”
What are the Expected Outcomes of Atal Bhujal Yojana?
The expected outcome of the Atal Bhujal Yojana are as follows:
- Improved groundwater levels in water-stressed regions.
- Increased awareness and behavioral change in water usage.
- Integration of WSPs into Gram Panchayat Development Plans.
- Strengthened institutions for water governance.
- Enhanced agricultural productivity through efficient irrigation.
- Promotion of sustainable practices for future generations.
Other Government Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan Catch the Rain Campaign
- National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
- National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC)
Way Forward
- Promote efficient irrigation practices (drip, sprinkler).
- Strengthen rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge.
- Ensure integration of water policies at national and state levels.
- Expand data-driven monitoring systems for groundwater.
- Encourage community ownership for long-term sustainability.
- Build resilience against climate change through adaptive water management.
Key Takeaway
| Aspect | Details |
| Scheme Name | Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) |
| Launch Date | 25 December 2019 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| Scheme Type | Central Sector Scheme |
| Total Outlay | ₹6000 crore (₹3000 cr GoI + ₹3000 cr World Bank) |
| Implementation Period | 2020–21 to 2024–25 |
| States Covered | Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP |
| Focus | Sustainable groundwater management through community participation |
| Components | (1) Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Building (₹1400 cr) (2) Incentive Component (₹4600 cr) |
| Coverage | 78 districts, 193 blocks, 8353 Gram Panchayats |
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Questions Based on Atal Bhujal Yojana
Q1. Atal Bhujal Yojana was launched on the birth anniversary of which leader?
A) Mahatma Gandhi
B) Lal Bahadur Shastri
C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
E) Rajiv Gandhi
Q2. Atal Bhujal Yojana is implemented under which Ministry?
A) Ministry of Agriculture
B) Ministry of Environment
C) Ministry of Jal Shakti
D) Ministry of Rural Development
E) Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Q3. What is the total outlay of Atal Bhujal Yojana?
A) ₹2000 crore
B) ₹4000 crore
C) ₹6000 crore
D) ₹8000 crore
E) ₹10000 crore
Q4. Atal Bhujal Yojana is co-funded by:
A) Asian Development Bank & Government of India
B) World Bank & Government of India
C) IMF & Government of India
D) NABARD & State Governments
E) UNDP & Government of India
Q5. How many states are covered under Atal Bhujal Yojana?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8
E) 9
Q6. Which of the following is NOT a component of Atal Bhujal Yojana?
A) Institutional Strengthening
B) Incentive Component
C) Construction of major dams
D) Capacity Building
E) Community Awareness
Q7. Which state has the highest number of Gram Panchayats under the scheme?
A) Gujarat
B) Haryana
C) Rajasthan
D) Uttar Pradesh
E) Maharashtra
Q8. The World Bank assistance to Atal Bhujal Yojana is approximately:
A) $250 million
B) $350 million
C) $450 million
D) $550 million
E) $650 million
Q9. Atal Bhujal Yojana is primarily focused on:
A) Urban Water Supply
B) Groundwater Recharge
C) River Cleaning
D) Large Dam Construction
E) Desalination Plants
Q10. The implementation period of Atal Bhujal Yojana is:
A) 2015–2020
B) 2018–2023
C) 2020–2025
D) 2022–2027
E) 2019–2024
Answer Key
| Q.No. | Answer | Q.No. | Answer |
| Q1 | C) Atal Bihari Vajpayee | Q6 | C) Construction of major dams |
| Q2 | C) Ministry of Jal Shakti | Q7 | B) Haryana |
| Q3 | C) ₹6000 crore | Q8 | C) $450 million |
| Q4 | B) World Bank & Government of India | Q9 | B) Groundwater Recharge |
| Q5 | C) 7 | Q10 | C) 2020–2025 |
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