New Delhi , Dec 24
The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the implementation of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL) and also announced naming the Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang Pass after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The ATAL JAL is a scheme that aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states--Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme worth Rs 6,000 crore will be implemented over a period of five years starting in 2020.
The implementation of the ATAL JAL is expected to benefit nearly 8,350 Gram Panchayats in 78 districts in these states. ATAL JAL will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management. Out of the total amount, 50 per cent shall be in the form of World Bank loan, and be repaid by the Centre. The remaining 50 per cent shall be through Central Assistance from regular budgetary support. The entire World Bank's loan component and Central Assistance shall be passed on to the states as grants.
The increasing stress on groundwater due to overexploitation, contamination and associated environmental impacts threaten to endanger the food security of the nation, and so this scheme has been introduced to take necessary preventive measures. Groundwater contributes to nearly 65 per cent of the total irrigated area of the country and nearly 85 per cent of the rural drinking water supply. |
