<h1>India and World Bank Ink $450M Deal for Atal Bhujal Yojana to Boost Groundwater Management in Seven States.</h1> The Government of India and the World Bank signed a $450 million loan agreement to support the Atal Bhujal Yojana, aimed at improving groundwater management across seven Indian states. The program will address groundwater depletion by enhancing aquifer recharge, promoting water conservation, and implementing community-driven water management plans. It will also focus on crop management and the adoption of micro-irrigation systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A significant portion of funds will be allocated to local governments as incentives for achieving groundwater management targets, with the remaining funds used for technical support. The loan has an 18-year maturity with a 6-year grace period.