NITI Aayog isn't doing enough to make India more water-use efficient

NITI Aayog has published the second edition of the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) for creating a culture of data-based decision making and encouraging "competitive and cooperative federalism" in water governance. The index analysed the water data at state levels (25 states and two union territories). The data covered nine themes: source augmentation, ground water, major and minor irrigation, watershed development, participatory irrigation practices, sustainable on-farm water use practices (demand side management), access to rural drinking and urban water supply, and finally, policy and water governance. The CWMI is necessary but not sufficient for effective water management in the country. It is high time that the Centre and states effectively take steps to improve water governance in the country by filling the gaps.