Jaipur, Aug. 8 -- More than 70% of Rajasthan's groundwater assessment units have been categorised as overexploited, highlighting the state's continued groundwater crisis despite ongoing conservation efforts under the Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY). The figures were shared by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in the Lok Sabha in response to a question by MP Harish Chandra Meena. According to the ministry, Rajasthan has 302 groundwater assessment units. Of these, 213 have been classified as overexploited, 23 as critical, 27 as semi-critical, 36 as safe and three as saline under the Dynamic Ground Water Resources Assessment, 2025. The ministry clarified that the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) assesses groundwater status at the block, tehsil or district level and does not classify gram panchayats as overexploited or critical. The ministry informed Parliament that 1,132 gram panchayats spread across 38 blocks in 17 districts have been brought under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Water Security Plans have been prepared for all of them. Under the scheme, 17,782 training programmes have been conducted, 17,685 wells monitored, 19,693 existing water conservation and recharge structures mapped, and efficient water-use practices promoted across 89,969.88 hectares. In addition, 19,126 supply-side structures, including check dams, ponds and recharge shafts, have been constructed or renovated. The Centre said it has released Rs.514.84 crore to Rajasthan under the scheme, of which Rs.513.60 crore has been utilised. The ministry also said an impact assessment conducted by the Quality Council of India found that the scheme has improved public awareness about groundwater conservation, strengthened community participation, increased women's role in groundwater management and encouraged sustainable water-use practices. The reply further stated that convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has led to works worth Rs.392.92 crore for the creation or renovation of 3,309 recharge structures in 26 overexploited blocks across Rajasthan....