Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), also known as Atal Jal, is a significant initiative by the Indian government to address the critical issue of groundwater depletion. Launched in December 2019, the scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation and sustainable practices.
- Expanded Coverage: The scheme, initially implemented in seven states (Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh), is being expanded to include five more states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This expansion aims to address groundwater depletion in a wider geographical area.
- Focus on Water-Stressed Areas: ABHY targets areas facing significant water stress. The expansion to new states indicates the growing concern over groundwater depletion in these regions and the need for sustainable management practices.
- Community Participation: A key feature of ABHY is its emphasis on community participation. The scheme encourages local communities to actively participate in groundwater management through awareness campaigns, capacity building, and implementation of water conservation measures.