Atal Bhujal Yojana

In a recent development, the Atal Bhujal Yojana, which aims to improve groundwater levels, has been expanded to address water scarcity in regions with declining water resources.

• Originally targeting seven water-stressed states, the scheme is now set to include twelve states, with new additions.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central sector scheme, which aims to improve groundwater levels.
• Launched in 2019, the scheme, which was originally set to run from 2020 to 2025, has now been extended until 2027.
• Funded jointly by the Government of India and the World Bank with a total cost of Rs. 6,000 crore, the scheme focuses on strengthening institutional frameworks for sustainable groundwater management and incentivizing states to adopt better water practices.
• Managed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the initiative also emphasizes enhanced data monitoring and effective groundwater interventions.