World Water Day: One of the essential elements of the earth, water is the main requirement of life. Without it, all living beings and plants perish. Hence, it is said “Water is life. However, due to increasing industrialization, over-use and exploitation of all-natural sources, human life is facing some dire situations like acute shortage of water. Since water is an important building block of the existence of all living beings, every year 22 March is celebrated as World Water Day to spread awareness about the importance of fresh water and sustainable management of this vital resource. To increase awareness of this occasion, let’s take a look at the history and importance of World Water Day, as well as know about the theme of World Water Day 2022 this time.
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The Theme of World Water Day 2022
World Water Day is celebrated every year with a theme. This year’s theme- ‘Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible’ which is proposed by IGRAC i.e. International Groundwater Resource Assessment Centre. It will be presented at the inaugural session of the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal on 21 March 2022.
History of World Water Day
The United Nations started celebrating World Water Day to make the world aware of the need for water. In 1992, a resolution to celebrate World Water Day was passed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since 1993, this day has been continued as an annual event to raise community awareness about understanding the importance of water conservation. The first World Water Day was organized on 22 March 1993.
The Objective of World Water Day
According to the United Nations (UN) website, the main objective of celebrating World Water Day is to “support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.” The purpose of celebrating this day is to tell the world how important it is to save water, it is our basic resource, many works are run by it and due to its lack, most activities can come to a standstill. To tell the people that without water their existence could be in danger – that is its basic purpose.
The Water Crisis is Increasing Rapidly in India
Due to the industrialization and felling of trees in India, the groundwater level is depleting at an alarming rate. The groundwater level in the country has decreased by 61% between 2007-2017. More than 40% of areas of the country are facing a drought crisis. Due to the increasing population by 2030, the demand for water in the country will double as compared to the current supply. Due to this lakhs of people will face the problem of water. In a study conducted by NITI Aayog in the year 2018, India ranked 120th in the list of water crises of 122 countries. Four cities (Chennai first, Kolkata second, Mumbai 11th and Delhi 15) are in the top 20 out of 400 cities in the world facing water crises.
Take a pledge today to save water in 5 ways
• To maintain the groundwater level, it is necessary that the trees should be cut at least.
• Take a resolution for daily needs, will not waste more water than necessary
• Inculcate small habits of using water, such as instead of throwing rice or donated water in pots, repairing loose taps etc. in the house immediately. If you see water being wasted somewhere in society, stop it.
• Plant trees on birthdays or any special occasion because only trees and greenery can save the groundwater level.
• Instead of wasting rainwater, collect it at home level and can put it on lawns or plants.
