Atal Bhujal Yojana 2026: The Central Government has introduced the Atal Bhujal Yojana to promote effective water conservation. This initiative aims to restore and improve the health of various water resources nationwide. By increasing groundwater levels, the scheme seeks to support the agricultural sector's water requirements. The government has allocated Rs. 6,000 crore to ensure the success of this major project. The Atal Bhujal Yojana will be executed over a five-year span across designated regions in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
What is the Atal Bhujal Yojana 2026
The Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) is a central government program designed to promote sustainable groundwater management with a total budget of Rs. 6,000 crore. This includes a Rs. 3,000 crore loan from the World Bank and a matching Rs. 3,000 crore contribution from the Government of India.
Goals of the Atal Bhujal Yojana
The scheme focuses on community involvement and demand-side management to ensure sustainable groundwater use in water-stressed regions across seven states. It aims to support the Jal Jeevan Mission, contribute to doubling farmers' incomes, and encourage behavioral shifts toward responsible water consumption within local communities.
Financial Allocation for the Scheme
Funding is distributed to states as grants-in-aid. The World Bank utilizes a "Program for Results" (PforR) model, where funds are transferred to the central government and subsequently disbursed to states based on the successful achievement of pre-defined milestones.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana seeks to elevate groundwater tables to provide clean water for agricultural irrigation. The government aims to revitalize water bodies to supply both groundwater and river water for farming. Residents in both rural and urban areas are eligible to benefit from this program.