Expansion of Atal Bhujal Yojana for Groundwater Sustainability

The Atal Bhujal Yojana, initiated in April 2020, aims to enhance groundwater sustainability across India. Initially implemented in seven states, the scheme has shown positive results in improving groundwater levels in numerous gram panchayats and blocks. Recently, the Centre announced plans to expand this initiative to five additional states, denoting its commitment to addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management.

Objectives of Atal Bhujal Yojana

The primary goal of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is to ensure sustainable management of groundwater resources. The scheme focuses on promoting water-efficient agricultural practices. These include micro-irrigation techniques, crop diversification, and the establishment of pipelines to reduce water wastage.

Geographical Scope

Originally, the scheme was launched in seven water-stressed states – Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The recent expansion will include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This extension aims to cover more water-stressed areas and improve overall groundwater conditions.

Implementation and Funding

The Atal Bhujal Yojana is set to run for five years with budget allocation of Rs 8,200 crore. The funding will be used to implement various groundwater recharge measures. The initiative has received “in-principle” approval for restructuring as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, facilitating better financial management and implementation.

Achievements to Date

Since its inception, the Atal Bhujal Yojana has positively impacted groundwater levels in 813 gram panchayats and 47 blocks across 26 districts. These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme in addressing water scarcity issues in targeted regions.

Water Management Practices

The scheme encourages various water management practices. Groundwater recharge measures include the construction of check dams, ponds, percolation tanks, and recharge shafts. These interventions aim to enhance the natural replenishment of groundwater sources, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Community Involvement

Community participation is crucial for the success of the Atal Bhujal Yojana. Local stakeholders, including farmers and village councils, are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices. Their involvement ensures that water management strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each region.

Future Prospects

The expansion of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is step towards comprehensive water management in India. By incorporating additional states, the initiative aims to tackle the growing challenges of groundwater depletion and water scarcity. The focus on sustainable practices will be vital for the long-term health of India’s water resources.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the significance of community involvement in the success of water management schemes like the Atal Bhujal Yojana.
2. Discuss the impact of groundwater depletion on agricultural productivity in India. Provide suitable examples.
3. What are the major challenges faced in implementing sustainable water management practices in India? Critically discuss.
4. Analyse the role of government funding in enhancing the effectiveness of water conservation initiatives. With suitable examples, discuss.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the significance of community involvement in the success of water management schemes like the Atal Bhujal Yojana.

1. Community involvement ensures that local needs and conditions are considered in water management strategies.
2. Active participation encourages a sense of ownership, encouraging sustainable practices among residents.
3. Local stakeholders can provide valuable insights and traditional knowledge about water resources.
4. Engagement in decision-making processes enhances transparency and accountability of the schemes.
5. Community-led initiatives often lead to better maintenance and monitoring of water resources.

2. Discuss the impact of groundwater depletion on agricultural productivity in India. Provide suitable examples.

1. Groundwater depletion leads to reduced water availability for irrigation, affecting crop yields.
2. Areas like Punjab and Haryana have seen declining water tables, resulting in lower wheat and rice production.
3. Farmers are forced to switch to less water-intensive crops, impacting their income and livelihoods.
4. Depleted groundwater affects soil health, leading to increased salinity and reduced fertility.
5. Long-term depletion can lead to crop failures and food insecurity in vulnerable regions.

3. What are the major challenges faced in implementing sustainable water management practices in India? Critically discuss.

1. Lack of awareness among farmers about sustainable practices hampers effective implementation.
2. Insufficient infrastructure for water conservation, such as check dams and recharge systems, is prevalent.
3. Political and bureaucratic hurdles can delay the execution of water management projects.
4. Conflicting interests among stakeholders, including industries and agriculture, complicate resource allocation.
5. Climate change impacts, such as erratic rainfall patterns, further challenge sustainable water management.

4. Analyse the role of government funding in enhancing the effectiveness of water conservation initiatives. With suitable examples, discuss.

1. Government funding provides essential financial resources for infrastructure development in water management.
2. For example, the Atal Bhujal Yojana’s budget of Rs 8,200 crore supports various groundwater recharge measures.
3. Funding enables research and development of innovative water conservation technologies.
4. Government investments can incentivize community participation through grants and subsidies for sustainable practices.
5. Effective allocation of funds can lead to successful project implementation and measurable improvements in water sustainability.