NITI Aayog Unveils Water Budgeting Report for Aspirational Blocks
The report was formally launched by Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, marking a significant milestone in advancing the Government of India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
- Country:
- India
In a major step toward strengthening India’s water governance framework, NITI Aayog today released a detailed report titled “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks”, aimed at transforming local water management through data-driven planning. The report was formally launched by Dr. V. K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, marking a significant milestone in advancing the Government of India’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The report emphasises the growing urgency of sustainable water management as India faces mounting pressures from climate change, rising demand, groundwater depletion, and uneven water distribution across its diverse agro-climatic regions.
A Critical Step Toward Equitable and Sustainable Water Security
In his address, Dr. V. K. Paul highlighted the transformative potential of localised water budgeting, stressing that community engagement must become central to improving water availability, ensuring measurable outcomes, and securing better health and livelihoods.
“Reliable access to water is fundamental to development. By focusing on block-level water budgeting and community-led planning, we can make water management equitable, sustainable, and future-ready,” he said.
Dr. Paul emphasised that local water budgets must evolve into proactive management tools that help predict risks, identify shortages, and optimise allocation before water scarcity becomes critical.
Varuni: A Digital Platform for Scientific Water Budgeting
The report is built upon Varuni, a web-based water budgeting platform developed to support integrated water resource planning at the block level. Varuni enables:
1. Structured estimation of water demand
Across key sectors including:
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Human consumption
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Livestock
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Agriculture
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Industry
2. Holistic assessment of water supply sources
Such as:
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Rainfall and runoff
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Surface water bodies
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Groundwater availability
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Inter-basin water transfers
3. Data-driven insights for granular planning
Allowing policymakers, Panchayati Raj institutions, and district administrators to adopt targeted interventions based on real-time scenarios.
By combining field inputs, hydrological data, and climate variables, Varuni enhances transparency, supports evidence-based decisions, and enables effective convergence of government programmes.
A Deep Dive into 18 Diverse Aspirational Blocks Across 11 States
The report provides water budgets for 18 Aspirational Blocks across 11 states, representing 8 agro-climatic zones. These blocks were selected because they face varying degrees of water stress, offering valuable insights into India’s diverse water challenges:
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Semi-arid regions grappling with demand-supply deficits
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Rain-fed zones prone to seasonal shortages
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Flood-affected blocks struggling with water management imbalance
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Groundwater-stressed regions facing rapid depletion
Each block-level analysis includes:
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Water demand and supply projections
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Sector-wise consumption patterns
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Emerging hotspots of over-extraction
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Key vulnerabilities related to climate variability
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Actionable recommendations tailored to the local context
This evidence-based diagnostic approach equips state and district authorities with a blueprint for targeted and sustainable interventions.
From Reactive to Proactive Water Governance
The report underscores the need for India to transition from reactive water crisis management to anticipatory water governance. The framework enables:
• Early identification of shortages
Helping prevent crop stress, drinking water scarcity, and livelihood disruptions.
• Localised planning
Empowering Panchayats and local agencies to customise solutions.
• Outcome-oriented implementation
Focusing on measurable impacts such as increased water availability, improved irrigation efficiency, and enhanced groundwater recharge.
• Climate resilience
Improving preparedness for extreme weather, droughts, and fluctuating rainfall patterns.
A Tool for India’s Long-Term Development and Climate Strategy
The report aligns with national goals including:
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Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
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Atal Bhujal Yojana
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Catch the Rain Campaign
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National Water Mission
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Climate adaptation strategies under Viksit Bharat 2047
It also integrates with broader policy directions emphasising:
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Digital governance
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Convergence of water-related schemes
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Sustainable natural resource management
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Modernisation of agricultural water use
Officials noted that water budgeting will serve as a key pillar in achieving long-term water security, particularly for vulnerable rural populations.
Collaboration with GIZ India Strengthens Methodology and Capacity
NITI Aayog partnered with GIZ India (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) to prepare the report, blending global expertise with India’s local, community-oriented approach to water management.
The launch event saw participation from:
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Central Ministries
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National Institute of Hydrology
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Centre for Water Resources Development, Kerala
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Technical teams from GIZ India
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Water researchers and field experts
This multisectoral presence reinforced the importance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing India’s complex water challenges.
A Crucial Blueprint for Local Water Security and Sustainable Development
By integrating scientific data, community participation, and digital tools, the water budgeting framework is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s climate resilience and water sustainability efforts. The report provides actionable pathways for policymakers, district administrations, and grassroots institutions to optimise water use, enhance storage, and promote long-term resource sustainability.
Report Access
The full report, “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks”, is publicly available for download at: https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-11/Water_Budgeting.pdf
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