Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal) is being implemented in identified water stressed areas of seven states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Based on the consultation, severity of groundwater situation, level of will and preparedness, Atal Jal has been launched as a pilot scheme in some states.
However, depending on the results of the scheme and the status of its implementation, proposals to include more water stressed areas in the scheme may be considered in future.
About the scheme
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at promoting sustainable groundwater management with an outlay of Rs 6,000 crore. Of this, Rs 3,000 crore will be provided as loan from the World Bank and Rs 3,000 crore as proportionate contribution by the Government of India (GoI).
The scheme emphasizes on community participation and demand side interventions for sustainable groundwater management in identified water stressed areas in seven states of the country.
The scheme also envisages improving the sustainability of water sources for Jal Jeevan Mission, positively contributing to the Government’s goal of ‘doubling farmers’ income’ and bringing about behavioural changes in the community to ensure optimal water use.
Under this scheme, funds will be provided to the states in the form of grants.
Financing by the World Bank will be done under a new loan instrument, namely Programme for Results (PFOR), wherein funds under the scheme will be transferred from the World Bank to the Government of India for disbursement to participating states based on the achievement of pre-agreed outcomes.
This scheme is being implemented in 8353 water-stressed Gram Panchayats of Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.