Which institution launched Composite Water Management Index 2.0?

The correct answer is NITI Aayog.

Key Points

• NITI Aayog launched the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) 2.0 in August 2019.
• The CWMI is designed to assess and improve water resource management across India's states and union territories.
• It provides a comprehensive framework to measure water management performance and encourage sustainable practices.
• The report highlights challenges like water scarcity, over-extraction of groundwater, and declining water quality.
• The Index aims to facilitate inter-state comparisons and promote cooperative efforts to manage water resources.

Additional Information

• NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)
  • It was established in 2015 as a policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission.
  • Its primary goal is to foster cooperative federalism and ensure sustainable development in India.
• Key Features of CWMI:
  • It includes nine broad themes like groundwater management, irrigation, drinking water supply, and policy frameworks.
  • States are ranked based on their performance in water management under these themes.
• Water Crisis in India:
  • India is facing a severe water crisis, with 21 cities projected to run out of groundwater by 2030, according to NITI Aayog's earlier reports.
  • The CWMI is part of efforts to address this issue by encouraging data-driven water management.
• Global Comparisons:
  • India is among the countries with the highest water consumption and is ranked high on the global water stress index.
  • Improving water management is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).