This day, March 22nd, is celebrated as world water day to raise awareness about the significance of freshwater and encourage the sustainable management of water resources. The day was first celebrated in 1993, following the United Nations General Assembly’s declaration.
“Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis” is the theme of this year’s world water day, which emphasises the vital role that water has in our lives and the necessity to guarantee its sustainability for future generations. The theme underscores water’s social, economic, and cultural significance and the requirement for an expansive and holistic approach to water management. In the wake of the issue, the UN stated: “Billions of people and countless schools, businesses, healthcare centres, farms and factories don’t have the safe water and toilets they need. There is an urgent need to accelerate change – to go beyond business as usual.”
As stated by the United Nations, 2 billion of the population worldwide currently lack access to clean drinking water. An estimated 1.4 million people every year pass away from diseases brought on by inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene, and 74 million will see their lives cut short. By 2050, the OECD projects that there will be a 55% rise in world water demand (measured in water withdrawals).
As part of the 2030 agenda, the world committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 in 2015, a commitment to deliver properly managed water and sewage systems by 2030. The United Nations will conduct the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York from March 22–24, the first occasion of its sort in the previous 50 years.
Water conservation is of utmost importance in India due to our nation’s increasing population and diminishing water resources. India is home to 17% of the world’s population though only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources, making water conservation critical for the country’s future.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we experienced the importance of water as a vital resource for hygiene and sanitation. Public health and prevention of the spread of the disease predominantly relied upon the availability of fresh water. In many regions, the lack of availability of fresh water, along with other essentials, and providing them was a big challenge for the authorities during the lockdown. Today, at this point where we have brought under control the horrendous experience of COVID-19, the relevance of world water day has risen to its most crucial state.
Adopting sustainable water management practices, investing in water infrastructure, and promoting equitable access to water and sanitation services are the major measures to take care of during this day. It also means recognising the cultural and social importance of water and working to ensure that water resources are managed in a way that respects the needs and rights of all communities.
In recent years, India has taken several initiatives to promote water conservation. The Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a government-led campaign that aims to conserve water resources, improve water quality, and promote water harvesting and management practices. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, focuses on improving sanitation and promoting hygiene practices to prevent waterborne diseases.
The Indian government has also launched several schemes to promote water conservation in rural areas, such as the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which provides employment opportunities for water conservation and management work.
Apart from government initiatives, individuals can also contribute to water conservation in their daily lives. Simple measures such as fixing leaks, reducing water usage, and promoting rainwater harvesting can go a long way in conserving water resources. By working together, government, civil society, and individuals can contribute to water conservation and ensure that future generations have access to this treasured resource.
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