India is making major strides in water conservation and sustainable water management through initiatives focused on groundwater recharge, water conservation, and village-level water budgeting.
Due to these interventions, more than 11,000 villages have been declared drought-free across the country. Groundwater levels have also risen by nearly 1.5 to 2 metres in several regions. In addition, water storage capacity has improved significantly, while agricultural productivity has increased by an estimated 30 to 50 percent.
Experts say water, being a finite resource, requires efficient management and stronger governance, especially amid rising population pressure, increasing agricultural demand, and climate change challenges. In this context, water budgeting has emerged as an important tool for integrated and data-driven water management.
By aligning farming practices with locally available water resources, India is promoting participatory and evidence-based water governance. The effort is further supported by community-led institutions and digital tools such as Varuni, which help improve water monitoring and planning.
Successful models like Maharashtra’s Hiware Bazar, along with large-scale programmes including the Atal Bhujal Yojana and the National Water Mission, have shown that a combination of policy support, technology, and community participation can significantly improve resilience in water-stressed areas.
Officials believe that institutionalising water budgeting at every planning level will be crucial in ensuring long-term water security, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth in the country.
