World Bank approves Rs 60 billion central scheme for ground water management

The World Bank has approved a Rs 60 billion central scheme, Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY), in a bid to improve groundwater management in priority areas across the country. It aims to achieve the same through community participation over a period of five years (2018-19 to 2022-23). The priority areas identified under the scheme are in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The funds will be used for strengthening the institutions responsible for groundwater governance, as well as for encouraging community involvement in improving groundwater management.