COMPOSITE WATER MANAGEMENT INDEX
The Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) is a tool developed by NITI Aayog, the government of India's think tank, to assess and improve the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in the efficient management of water resources. The index is based on 28 indicators covering various aspects of water management, including groundwater, restoration of water bodies, irrigation, farm practices, drinking water, policy, and governance.
Key Takeaways
- India is facing a severe water crisis, with nearly 600 million people facing high to extreme water stress.
- The CWMI is an important tool to assess and improve the performance of states and UTs in water management.
- Gujarat was ranked number one in the CWMI for 2016-17, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
- Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar were the worst-performing states in the CWMI.
Problems with Water Management in India
India faces a number of challenges in managing its water resources effectively. These include:
- India's population is growing rapidly, putting increasing pressure on water resources.
- Climate change is leading to more erratic rainfall patterns, which is making it more difficult to manage water resources effectively.
- Pollution is contaminating water sources, making it difficult to access safe drinking water.
- Overuse of groundwater is leading to depletion of groundwater resources.
- Inefficient irrigation practices are wasting water.
Per capita water availability is a measure of the amount of water available per person in a given area. India's per capita water availability is declining due to population growth. In 2021, India's per capita water availability was 1,511 cubic meters per year, which is below the global average of 5,000 cubic meters per year.
The National Water Policy, 2002, is a comprehensive framework for the development and management of water resources in India. The policy aims to ensure that water is used sustainably and equitably. The policy also emphasizes the need for public participation in water management.
3. Projections for Worsening Crisis
- The CWMI report indicates that the water crisis is expected to worsen. By 2030, India's water demand is predicted to be twice the available supply, potentially leading to severe water scarcity and a substantial 6% loss in the country's GDP. The report serves as a stark warning for the future.
- Data presented in the report ranks India at 120th out of 122 countries in terms of water quality index. With nearly 70% of the water being contaminated, it highlights the dire need for addressing water quality issues and improving access to safe water sources.
- The report emphasizes that approximately 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress, leading to the annual deaths of around two lakh people due to inadequate access to safe water. This situation underscores the urgency of a more profound understanding of water resources and their usage.
- Gujarat was recognized as the top state in efficient water resource management, as per the CWMI report for the reference year 2016-17. Following Gujarat, states like Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra were ranked for their water management efforts.
- The report also highlights regional variations in water resource management. In the Northeastern and Himalayan states, Tripura secured the top position, with Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Assam following suit. These rankings reveal diverse approaches to water management in different regions.
4. The Significance of CWMI
- The government has emphasized the importance of the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) as a tool to assess and enhance the performance of states and Union territories in managing water resources. The CWMI comprises nine sectors and 28 indicators, covering aspects such as groundwater, water body restoration, irrigation, farm practices, drinking water, and policy and governance.
- According to the report, Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar were identified as the worst-performing states in water management, underlining the need for improved strategies and resource management.
- Minister for Water Resources, Nitin Gadkari, highlighted the link between effective water management and agricultural performance. He expressed his intention to hold a meeting with the Delhi Chief Minister to address water management and air pollution issues in the national capital.
5. Conclusion
The CWMI report underscores the severity of India's water crisis, the need for comprehensive water resource management, and the regional variations in water management performance. It serves as a call to action to address these critical challenges.
|
For Prelims:Current events of national and international importance, water crisis, urbanisation, comprehensive water resource management,
For Mains:
1. Enumerate the key challenges associated with urbanization in India, including issues related to water crisis? (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’? (2014)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: C 2. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the remaining freshwater, the largest proportion (2013) (a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds Answer: C Mains1. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? (UPSC 2013)
2. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting system”. How can it be made effective in urban areas? (UPSC 2018)
3. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (UPSC 2019)
|
