Context:
NITI Aayog is currently considering the possibility of discontinuing a pivotal water report (CWMI) that was initially launched five years ago.
About CWMI:
- Launched by – NITI Aayog
- Aim – To provide an annual snapshot of the water sector status and water management performance of the states and union territories (UTs) in India.
- Collaborative efforts between NITI Aayog and 3 key ministries – Water Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development.
- Comprises 9 themes with 28 different indicators
Status of Water Resources in India:
- The annual water availability in India is approximately 1,121 billion cubic meters (bcm), yet according to data from the Ministry of Water Resources, the projected water demand is expected to reach 1,093 bcm by 2025 and 1,447 bcm by 2050.
According to the Falkenmark Water Index, which gauges global water scarcity, regions experiencing an annual per capita water availability below 1,700 cubic meters are considered water-scarce. Applying this index to India reveals that nearly 76% of the population is currently grappling with water scarcity.
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Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-ll is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-ll is correct
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
About 89% of this groundwater is used in India for irrigation. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
