Why in news?
Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks is a significant initiative by NITI Aayog aimed at enhancing local water security through effective water management at the block level. 
 
Methodology and Tools

• Utilizes a web-based platform called Varuni for water budgeting.
• Estimates water demand across key sectors: human, livestock, agriculture, and industry.
• Accounts for supply from multiple water sources like runoff, surface water, groundwater, and water transfers.
• Provides a scientific, user-friendly methodology for preparing water budgets at the block level.​
• Blocks were selected based on water stress levels, groundwater data, and tap water coverage under Jal Jeevan Mission.

Key Findings and Insights

• Identifies water demand-supply gaps and hotspots of water consumption, especially in irrigation and livestock sectors.
• Highlights the importance of customized, localized water management strategies specific to each block’s water endowment.
• Reveals how industrial water use, though localized, can create stress points.
• Emphasizes convergence in national water programs for integrated, anticipatory planning rather than reactive management.​

Objectives and Outcomes

• To enable informed decision-making for sustainable water management and efficient utilization at the local level.
• To promote equitable distribution and resilience in water availability.
• To involve communities in improving water access with measurable impact on livelihoods and health.
• To assist in transitioning towards climate resilience and sustainable development through data-driven governance.​

Policy Implications

• Facilitates proactive water management using digital governance tools.
• Encourages coordination of various government schemes like MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission, watershed programs for enhanced water security.
• Serves as a diagnostic and planning tool for future water resource challenges at the grassroots level.​

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