Atal Bhujal Yojana NLSC Pushes for Scale-Up and Community-Led Groundwater Management

The eighth meeting of the National Level Steering Committee (NLSC) for the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY) convened in New Delhi under the leadership of Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti. The meeting brought together senior officials from the participating states, members of the steering committee, representatives from key central ministries and departments, officers of the World Bank, and members of the National Project Management Unit (NPMU).

Atal Bhujal Yojana: A Grassroots Model for Groundwater Management

Ms. Mukherjee praised ABHY as a pioneering scheme focused on community engagement and sustainable groundwater management, especially vital in the face of climate change. She stressed that adverse climate effects on India’s water cycle are already evident, making the mainstreaming of groundwater management initiatives such as ABHY an urgent national priority.

Highlighting the program's success in raising community awareness, she advocated for mandatory water budgeting in all Gram Panchayats, arguing that empowering local communities is key to protecting depleting groundwater resources. The Secretary also encouraged participating states to scale up proven interventions, replicate success stories, and develop operation and maintenance (O&M) plans for the equipment and infrastructure created under the scheme to ensure its long-term viability.

Knowledge Transfer and Human Resource Utilization

Recognizing the institutional capacity built under the scheme, Ms. Mukherjee emphasized the need to transfer knowledge and skills gained through ABHY to other national and state-level schemes. This would amplify the program's reach and maximize the return on investment in both human and capital resources.

Progress, Innovation, and Measurable Impact

Shri Subodh Yadav, Additional Secretary and National Project Coordinator of ABHY, noted that the scheme is now in its sixth year of implementation and entering a critical phase where measurable impacts must be demonstrated to justify scaling up. A pilot study from Ismailpur Gram Panchayat in Yamunanagar, Haryana was showcased, using high-frequency water level monitoring to inform local planning—an example of data-driven community decision-making.

The meeting featured a presentation of innovative projects by various participating states, offering practical models for replication in other regions. It also reviewed the findings of a third-party Impact Assessment conducted by the Quality Council of India (QCI). The report outlined the scheme’s effectiveness, noting:

• Increased community and women’s participation

• Improved water-use efficiency and cropping practices

• Rising inclusivity and decentralized decision-making

• Strengthening of local water governance

• Broad socio-economic benefits including better livelihoods and resilience

Global Endorsement and Continued World Bank Support

A team from the World Bank—a key technical and financial partner—presented its assessment from the recent Review Mission, highlighting the success of ABHY and recommending areas for improvement. The Bank emphasized the need for full utilization of available funds by states to maximize impact and encouraged further institutional strengthening at the local level.

State Presentations and Cross-Learning

Participating states showcased local success stories and models of community-led water management, facilitating a valuable cross-learning opportunity among regions. These presentations underscored the scheme's potential for replication and convergence with other water-related and rural development programs.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

The NLSC concluded by urging all states to:

• Leverage local insights and lessons from ABHY to strengthen groundwater management statewide

• Develop sustainable operational models for existing water infrastructure

• Scale successful pilots and replicate them in water-stressed areas

• Maintain fiscal discipline while expanding the scope of interventions

• Promote inclusive participation by ensuring gender balance and active engagement of marginalized communities

The eighth meeting reaffirmed ABHY’s role as a blueprint for participatory groundwater governance and a critical pillar in India’s water security architecture.