PM launches ₹6,000-cr Atal Bhujal Yojna on ex-PM Vajpayee's birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Atal Bhujal Yojana in New Delhi today. Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister said the issue of water was very close to Atal ji's heart. He said this mission will help in supplying water to every house hold by 2024.

The Central Government scheme will promote Panchayat led ground water management and behavioural change with primary focus on demand side management. Union Cabinet approved the 6,000 crore rupees scheme yesterday. It will be implemented over a period of 5 years in identified areas in Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. 

On the occasion, the Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang Pass was also named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on 3rd June in 2000 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister.

The foundation stone for the Access Road to the South Portal of the tunnel was laid on 26th of May 2002. The cabinet approved four thousand crore rupees for this. The 8.8-kilometre long tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometres. 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Jalshakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present on the occasion.