By AimIndia Team 
Atal Bhujal Yojana, also known as Atal Jal, is a central sector scheme launched by the Government of India to manage groundwater resources sustainably. The scheme emphasizes community-led interventions and aims to ensure that water resources are managed efficiently through collaboration between the central and state governments. Atal Bhujal Yojana is crucial in tackling groundwater depletion across various states in India, focusing on improving water management in water-stressed regions.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana, or Atal Jal, aims to tackle groundwater depletion in India, especially in stressed areas. The Ministry of Jal Shakti leads the scheme, promoting community involvement and sustainable groundwater management. Funded equally by the Indian government and World Bank, the scheme operates in seven states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Objectives
- To improve the management of groundwater in water-stressed regions.
- To Encourage community participation in water conservation activities.
- To Ensure sustainable groundwater usage in 7 states identified for critical water needs.
- To Promote efficient use of water through advanced technologies like sensor-based irrigation and drones.
- To Convergence of ongoing schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission and MGNREGS.
Eligibility Criteria
- States with high groundwater depletion such as Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Areas classified as over-exploited or water-stressed regions.
- Active community and local stakeholder participation in groundwater management.
Benefits
- Promotes sustainable groundwater management with community participation.
- Helps address groundwater depletion in states like Rajasthan, which is significantly water-stressed.
- Improved agriculture productivity due to better water availability.
- Incentivizes states for better management of groundwater resources.
- Strengthened institutional framework for better data collection and planning.
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Required Documents
- Proof of land ownership.
- Identification documents such as Aadhaar card for beneficiaries.
- State-wise certification of groundwater status.
- Documents for community participation in local water budgeting and conservation plans.
How to Apply
- The scheme is implemented at the Gram Panchayat level in selected states.
- Local communities can engage in water security plans and water budgeting.
- For further information, applicants can visit the Ministry of Jal Shakti website or contact their local authorities.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana is vital for managing groundwater in India, especially in Rajasthan where water is scarce. This scheme, funded equally by the Government of India and the World Bank, aims to address this critical issue.Atal Bhujal Yojana in English aims to improve the management of groundwater through community participation. It plays a crucial role in Jal Shakti Abhiyan and works in coordination with other schemes like Jal Jeevan Mission. Atal Bhujal Yojana UPSC questions often focus on its role in sustainable groundwater management in 7 states, and it continues to be an essential initiative. अटल भूजल योजना राजस्थान कब शुरू हुई, and its objective is to improve water use efficiency.