हिंदी
Chandigarh, July 8 2021
Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Devender Singh gave this information during a review meeting of the works being done under Atal Bhujal Yojana here today.
He said that the Atal Bhujal Yojana was prepared by the Union Ministry to overcome the scarcity of groundwater resources in a large part of the country. The objective of the scheme is to improve groundwater management in priority areas in the country through community participation.
He informed that the main objective of the Atal Bhujal Yojana is to create a hydrogeological data network of groundwater resources in Haryana and it also encourages the creation of community institutions for the management of groundwater resources in the state. The programme will focus on community mobilization and awareness activities as well as capacity building of stakeholders and increasing people’s participation in identified priority areas.
He informed that the District Implementation Partner (DIP) in the form of NGO in this scheme along with the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) will assist the Gram Panchayat on various aspects of the scheme. This includes activities such as formation of Community Mobilized Water Users Associations (WUAs), data collection, information, education, and communication, including development of water budgets and water security plans (WSPs).
On this occasion, Project Director, Irrigation Department, Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian informed that Atal Bhujal Yojana in Haryana is in its initial stage and many positive results are expected to come out of it. This includes better understanding of groundwater systems, focused and integrated community-based approach to address issues related to groundwater scarcity, sustainable groundwater management through implementation of new and innovative schemes, irrigation in target areas and use of groundwater for augmentation of groundwater resources. This includes adopting efficient water use practices to reduce usage, owning groundwater resources and deciding the future action plan in consultation with the state team under the Atal Bhujal Yojana. He said that this programme would revolutionize the groundwater system in the state and set an example for the entire country.
