Water Budgeting for Sustainable Water Management Water Availability Status in India India receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 3,880 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM). After accounting for evaporation and other losses, the average annual water availability is estimated at 1,999.20 BCM. The growing population is reducing per capita water availability while simultaneously increasing the pressure on water resources. India accounts for 17.5 percent of the global population and 11.6 percent of the global livestock population; this generates an extremely high demand for water. The Growing Water Crisis In rural areas, 80 to 90 percent of available water is utilized for agriculture. Declining groundwater levels, seasonal water scarcity, and water-related conflicts are on the rise. There is a need to shift the approach to water management from being 'supply-centric' to being 'demand-centric.' About Water Budgeting Water budgeting involves systematically assessing the water availability and demand within a specific village, watershed, block, or district. It compares: Inputs: Rainfall, surface water inflow, groundwater recharge. Outputs: Evaporation, surface runoff, groundwater extraction. It helps identify areas experiencing water surpluses and deficits. It supports resource-based water allocation and planning. Significance of Water Budgeting It facilitates the sustainable utilization of available water resources. Facilitates: Crop planning, groundwater management, drought preparedness, and flood management. Promotes efficient water allocation across agriculture, domestic use, livestock rearing, and industrial sectors. Agriculture and Water Budgeting Irrigation demand is projected to reach 807 BCM by the year 2050. Supports: Selection of water-efficient crops. Optimal irrigation scheduling. Climate-resilient agriculture. bsupported initiatives demonstrate enhanced productivity through water-efficient crop cultivation methods. Livestock and Water Demand The livestock population has increased from 512 million (2012) to 536 million (2019). The cattle population has increased by 18%. Water budgeting incorporates water requirements for the following: drinking, fodder production, and allied activities. Ensures balanced water allocation across different sectors.…
