**Summary:**
Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3156, answered on August 7, 2025, addresses the coverage of the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) in Tamil Nadu. Specifically, it inquires about priority areas identified for groundwater management, progress in community participation and conservation activities, details of funds allocated, and steps taken to ensure sustainable groundwater use within the state under ABY.
The response provided by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti clarifies that the Atal Bhujal Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme, is *not* being implemented in the State of Tamil Nadu. ABY is currently being piloted in 8203 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across 229 blocks/talukas in 80 districts within seven states: Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The scheme, which began on April 1, 2020, aims to promote community-led sustainable groundwater management over a six-year period.
Key Entities Referenced
Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY): A Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Government of India to promote community led sustainable groundwater management in water-stressed areas.
Ministry of Jal Shakti: The Indian government ministry responsible for water resources and river development.
Tamil Nadu: A state in southern India where the Atal Bhujal Yojana is not being implemented.
SHRI MALAIYARASAN D: Member of Parliament who raised questions regarding the coverage of Atal Bhujal Yojana in Tamil Nadu.
SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY: The Minister of State for Jal Shakti who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
Gujarat: One of the seven states where Atal Bhujal Yojana is being implemented.
Haryana: One of the seven states where Atal Bhujal Yojana is being implemented.
Karnataka: One of the seven states where Atal Bhujal Yojana is being implemented.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT & GANGA REJUVENATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3156
ANSWERED ON 07.08.2025
COVERAGE OF ATAL BHUJAL YOJANA IN TAMIL NADU
3156. SHRI MALAIYARASAN D
Will the Minister of JAL SHAKTI be pleased to state:
(a) the coverage of Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) in Tamil Nadu including the number of priority areas
identified for groundwater management under ABY;
(b) the progress made in community participation and groundwater conservation activities in Tamil
Nadu under ABY;
(c) the details of the funds sanctioned, released and utilised for Tamil Nadu under ABY so far; and
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure sustainable groundwater use and address
water scarcity issues in Tamil Nadu through ABY?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI
(SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY)
(a) to (d) Government of India is implementing Atal Bhujal Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme, in 8203
water stressed Gram Panchayats of 229 administrative blocks/talukas in 80 districts of 7 States viz.
Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, on a pilot
basis, for a period of 6 years from 01.04.2020 with an objective to promote community led sustainable
groundwater management.
The scheme is not being implemented in the State of Tamil Nadu.
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