Atal Bhujal Yojana helps communities in water-stressed regions improve groundwater management through institutional strengthening, financial incentives, and sustainable resource planning.
Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.
Atal Bhujal Yojana - Introduction
Atal Bhujal Yojana, also called Atal Jal, was launched by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti as a community-led groundwater management scheme. It ran as a pilot across 8,203 water-stressed Gram Panchayats in 229 blocks of 80 districts in seven Indian states from 1 April 2020 to 15 October 2025. The main aim was to arrest the fall in groundwater levels and improve groundwater management through community participation and demand-side measures.
The scheme gave Gram Panchayats a direct role by helping them prepare Water Security Plans, adopt water-efficient farming practices, and carry out regular groundwater monitoring. Implementation was handled by the National Program Management Unit at the center and State Program Management Units at the state level. Gram Panchayats received technical training and performance-based financial incentives once their conservation targets were met.
As per the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the scheme was conceived as a pilot with a fixed duration and outlay, and it has successfully shown that community-centred groundwater management works. The model can now be taken up by other states.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Atal Bhujal Yojana |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| States Covered | Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh |
| Gram Panchayats Covered | 8,203 |
| Benefit Type | Financial Incentives |
| Primary Objective | Sustainable Groundwater Management |
Benefits
The scheme had a total financial outlay of ₹6,000 crore over five years, which included ₹3,000 crore as a World Bank loan and ₹3,000 crore as the Government of India share. These funds were split across the following heads.
- Training: ₹1,400 crore was set aside for capacity building, community mobilization, and buying equipment such as Digital Water Level Recorders and rain gauges.
- Incentives: ₹4,600 crore was meant as rewards to states and Gram Panchayats that met their groundwater conservation targets.
- Demand and Supply Interventions: Money supported micro-irrigation such as drip and sprinkler systems, crop diversification, and construction of check dams, percolation ponds, and farm ponds.
- Laboratory Upgrades: Funds helped upgrade state-level water quality laboratories for NABL accreditation.
Gram Panchayats had to meet a few conditions to stay eligible for the incentive money.
- Set up or formalize a Village Water and Sanitation Committee that would act as the Participatory Groundwater Management Committee.
- Carry out regular, ideally seasonal, water budgeting exercises.
- Update the Water Security Plan every year.
- Hold clear social audits to track community-led progress.
- Submit audited financial statements and use certificates to keep receiving funds.
Eligibility
Eligibility was decided at the community level rather than for individual applicants. The applicant needed to live in a selected water-stressed district, block, or Gram Panchayat located in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, or Uttar Pradesh. The Gram Panchayat had to prepare a Water Security Plan and get it approved by the Gram Sabha. At least 33% of the members in the Water User Associations or Village Water and Sanitation Committees had to be women, and local volunteers were identified for data collection and equipment maintenance.
Exclusions
Scheme funds could not be spent on certain activities, and these are listed below.
- Construction of new major or minor dams.
- Large-scale irrigation system construction.
- Major industrial wastewater systems.
- Salary payment for regular government employees.
- Construction or repair of religious buildings such as temples or mosques.
- Development of commercial ventures like hotels or resorts.
- Military-related activities.
- Purchase of vehicles, land, weapons, alcohol, or tobacco.
Application Process
Step 1: Data Entry
STEP 1 - Community resource persons enter baseline data on groundwater levels, rainfall, and water quality into the official Management Information Portal.
Step 2: Planning and Approval
STEP 2 - The community meets to finalize a water budget and Water Security Plan, and the Gram Sabha must pass a formal resolution to approve this plan.
Step 3: Validation
STEP 3 - The approved plan is sent to the District Program Management Unit, then forwarded to the State Program Management Unit for validation and final approval by the State Level Steering Committee.
Grievance Redressal
Applicants could report issues to the dedicated toll-free helpline at 011-1800110121.
Documents
Community resource persons kept records of demographic data and beneficiary census details, the Gram Panchayat Water Budget and Water Security Plan, Gram Sabha resolution minutes, attendance sheets confirming at least 20% female participation in meetings, audited financial statements for the Gram Panchayat, and monthly expenditure reports and use certificates.
References
FAQ's
Can we use funds to repair religious structures?
No, financial support is strictly prohibited for constructing or maintaining religious structures like temples or mosques.
What is the female representation requirement?
At least 33% of the members in the local water management committee had to be women.
Can we use funds for staff salaries?
No, funds could not be used to pay salaries for regular government employees.
How often should we audit our water budget?
Regular water budgeting was to be done at least once a year, though seasonal updates were recommended.
Who approves the Water Security Plan?
The finalized plan had to be reviewed and approved through a resolution passed by the local Gram Sabha.
Are commercial projects covered?
No, spending funds on commercial ventures such as resorts, hotels, or restaurants was prohibited.
Which states are eligible?
The scheme was limited to Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.