Atal Bhujal Yojana (AJY)
On December 25, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a plan to protect groundwater in areas with low water tables.
Mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the security and betterment of needy sections of the population by the Centre and States, and the effectiveness of these schemes; welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States, and the performance of these schemes; and welfare systems for needy sections of the population by the Centre and States.
About Atal Bhujal Yojana (AJY)
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has a World Bank-approved Central Sector Scheme worth Rs.6000 crore.
The Government of India and the World Bank split the funds 50:50.
Through community participation, it aims to enhance groundwater management in priority locations around the country.
Areas
In terms of groundwater, these states account for around a quarter of the total number of over-exploited, critical, and semi-critical blocks in India.
They also encompass two primary types of groundwater systems in India: alluvial and hard rock aquifers and have differing levels of institutional preparation and groundwater management experience.
Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh are among the priority locations chosen under the scheme.
Implementation
The scheme will grant funds to states to strengthen groundwater governance institutions and encourage community involvement in improving groundwater management to encourage behavioral changes that promote water conservation and efficiency. By promoting their focused implementation in specified priority regions, the initiative will also assist the convergence of ongoing Government schemes in the states.
It is a good initiative to improve the groundwater levels particularly in critical and over exploited blocks/taluks.
When the water levels improve, the total pumping head will be reduced and there is substantial saving in power consumption.
Studies are to be initiated along with water level improvement how much power is saved and financial benefits thereof.
Yes, Indeed, Mr. C Satyanarayana, you are absolutely right, the Atal Bhujal Yojana was a much needed initiative taking in account of ground water level problems in India, If implemented correctly, this will surely help in many ways. In fact, we need more such initiatives from government. Support of citizens is also mandatory….