(a) whether there has been any improvement in groundwater levels, under the Atal Bhujal Yojana and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal;
(b) whether local communities have been inducted into this scheme to raise groundwater levels and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there has been preparation of any water security plan to improve ground water management; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI BISHWESWAR TUDU)
(a) Atal Bhujal Yojana is under implementation in the 8,565 Gram Panchayats (GPs) falling in 224 blocks of 80 districts in 7 States viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh only. This scheme started from the year 2020-21. As per ground water level assessment carried out by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 70 % wells in the country have registered rise in water level as compared with the decadal mean (2011-2020) for the month of November.
(b)Yes, Sir. The implementation of the scheme emphasizes on focused and integrated community based approach for participatory ground water management. This entails awareness and sensitization programmes for community engagement leading to preparation of community led Water Security Plan.
(c) & (d)Yes, Sir. Status of Water Security Plan submitted in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra as on 15th March, 2022 is as follows:-
S. No. State Districts GPs WSPs submitted
1 Madhya Pradesh 6 663 663
2 Maharashtra 13 1,339 710
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