New Delhi, Nov 19 (NationPress) NITI Aayog unveiled a comprehensive report on Wednesday entitled “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks,” representing a pivotal initiative to advance local water budgeting aimed at improving water security.

The water budgeting initiative utilizes a web-based platform named Varuni to bolster block-level water security planning and execute integrated water management. It offers a systematic method for assessing water demand across crucial sectors: human, livestock, agriculture, and industry, while considering supplies from various sources such as runoff, surface water, groundwater, and water transfers.

The report underscores the necessity for implementing tailored strategies across 18 Aspirational Blocks that possess varying degrees of water availability. These blocks, distributed over 8 agro-climatic zones in the country across 11 States, provide insights into the diversity of water resource challenges.

The water budget presents valuable information for each block regarding its water demand-supply situation, challenges faced, and recommendations while identifying effective measures to enhance water security. This diagnostic tool is designed to facilitate a transition to proactive water management, supported by a data-driven approach.

Emphasizing the report's core elements, the member recommended furthering the initiative to involve communities in improving water availability through measurable outcomes that enhance livelihoods via better access to water, ultimately leading to improved health.

As policies evolve towards a convergent strategy for managing water resources, incorporating digital governance and outcome-based planning, tools like this have the potential to play a key role in India's broader shift towards climate resilience and sustainable development.

By drawing lessons from these Aspirational Blocks, the study combines field-based analysis and data obtained through Varuni, a web-based water budgeting platform. The report aims to assist in localizing water budget preparation, pinpointing hotspots in water consumption, and planning for efficient water use before reaching critical levels for equitable distribution and enhanced resilience.

NITI Aayog collaborated with GIZ India in producing this report. The launch event saw participation from representatives of Central Ministries, the National Institute of Hydrology, the Centre for Water Resources Development, the Government of Kerala, technical partner GIZ India, and others.

The report, introduced by NITI Aayog member V. K. Paul, is accessible at NITI Aayog.