The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY), launched in 2019, is a central government scheme aimed at promoting sustainable groundwater management in India’s water-stressed areas. Recognizing the critical role of groundwater for drinking, irrigation, and industrial needs, the scheme emphasizes community participation and behavior change for long-term groundwater conservation.
Objectives of Atal Bhujal Yojana
- Demand-Side Management: Promote efficient water use in agriculture, industry, and households to reduce excessive groundwater extraction.
- Community-Driven Approach: Empower local communities and water user groups to actively participate in groundwater management and decision-making.
- Data-Based Interventions: Strengthen groundwater data collection, analysis, and dissemination for informed planning.
- Capacity Building: Build the capacity of stakeholders at various levels on sustainable groundwater practices.
- Incentivizing Conservation: Provide incentives to communities that demonstrate successful groundwater recharge and conservation measures.
Focus Areas of ABY
The scheme is being implemented in identified priority blocks in seven states:
- Gujarat
- Haryana
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
Interventions under ABY
- Water User Associations: Formation and capacity building of Water User Associations (WUAs) at the local level.
- Water Budgeting and Security Plans: Preparation of participatory groundwater management plans at the village level based on data and community needs.
- Water Conservation Measures: Promotion of micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, crop diversification, and other water-saving practices.
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Use of ICT-based tools for real-time groundwater monitoring and data-driven interventions.
FAQs About Atal Bhujal Yojana
- Who benefits from ABY? Communities in water-stressed areas, particularly farmers who depend heavily on groundwater for irrigation.
- How to participate? Farmers and other stakeholders in priority areas can participate through Water User Associations or other community groups.
MCQs
- The primary goal of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is to:
- A. Promote export of agricultural products
- B. Eradicate rural poverty
- C. Promote sustainable groundwater management
- D. Train farmers in advanced agricultural techniques
- Which of these is NOT a focus area of ABY?
- A. Community participation in decision-making
- B. Efficient water use in agriculture
- C. Building large-scale dams
- D. Data-based groundwater monitoring
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-C
Conclusion
The Atal Bhujal Yojana represents a shift in India’s groundwater management approach by prioritizing community-driven solutions and demand-side interventions. Its success depends on the active participation of local communities, robust institutional mechanisms, and the adoption of water-efficient technologies. By fostering collaboration and incentivizing sustainable practices, ABY has the potential to transform India’s relationship with groundwater and safeguard this precious resource for future generations.