No funds for Punjab under Atal yojna for ground water
Press Note
29 July 2025
No funds for Punjab under Atal yojna for ground water
Minister of Jal Shakti stated in parliament that Punjab has not been included in providing funds under Atal Bhujal Yojna for ground water management.
In a reply to question by MP Rajya Sabha Dr Vikramjit Sahney , it was stated that states like Harayana UP MP Maharashtra Rajasthan Gujarat and total sum of Rs 3800 crores were allocated. Dr Sahney stated that Punjab should have been included especially when it is among the most groundwater-stressed states in India.The reply did not give any reason for exclusion of punjab in the scheme.
Punjab’s groundwater is depleting at an alarming rate, with 78% of its blocks classified as over-exploited and the water table declining by 1 meter annually in some areas. Punjab faces a water deficit, with available utilizable water at 56 BCM (billion cubic meters) against a demand of 66 BCM. Punjab’s groundwater utilisation stands at 164% and levels could drop below 1000 feet by 2039.