Bhubaneswar, Mar 22: World Water Day, observed annually on March 22 since 1993, is a vital United Nations initiative aimed at highlighting the critical importance of freshwater resources worldwide. This significant day serves as a poignant reminder of the staggering reality: 2.2 billion people across the globe lack access to safe water, as per data from the United Nations (UN) website, un.org.
With only 2.5 percent of Earth's water classified as fresh, the global water crisis is starkly evident. In India, the situation is particularly concerning, as emphasized by the 2019 Niti Aayog report. Despite being home to 17 percent of the world's population, India holds just 4 percent of the planet's freshwater resources, underscoring the urgent need for effective freshwater conservation measures.
World Water Day 2024 theme:
The theme for World Water Day 2024 is 'water for peace,' symbolizing the vital role water plays in fostering peace and stability within communities and nations.
On this significant day, individuals and organizations around the world engage in various campaigns, events, and advocacy efforts to raise awareness about water-related issues. These initiatives leverage platforms such as social media to amplify their message and inspire action.
World Water Day history:
Designated by the UN in 1993, World Water Day traces its origins to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, where March 22 was designated for this purpose.
World Water Day significance:
World Water Day serves as a catalyst for action, inspiring individuals, policymakers, and governing bodies to address the escalating challenges of water scarcity and sanitation on a global scale.
Key facts provided by the UN highlight the urgency of the water crisis:
- Approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, with 115 million relying on surface water.
- Half of the world's population faces severe water scarcity at some point during the year.
- Water-related disasters constitute 70 percent of all natural disaster-related deaths over the past 50 years.
- Transboundary waters account for 60 percent of global freshwater flows, with 153 countries sharing territory within transboundary river and lake basins.
- Only 24 countries report comprehensive cooperation arrangements covering all their transboundary basins.
