22nd March is World Water Day
We see water in and around but we have not realised the present situation with water. There are many people who are struggling for water in different parts of the world. Global statistics are really worrying as it bring challenges for all of us. Today, when we are locked in due to pandemic corona virus, we must wisely use water for our safety.
There is no doubt that the world’s water resources are under unmatched threat. Today, some 2.2 billion people lack safe drinking water and 4.2 billion people live without access to adequate sanitation. Unless we act with urgency, the impacts of climate change are projected to exacerbate these figures. By 2050, between 3.5 and 4.4 billion people will live with limited access to water, with more than 1 billion of them living in cities.
World Water Day (WWD), held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater. WWD celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of WWD is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
The idea for this international day goes back to 1992, the year in which the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro took place. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution by which 22 March of each year was declared WWD, to be observed starting in 1993.
This year’s WWD focuses on water and climate change. With 2020 a make-or-break year for climate action, this focus is timely. By adapting to the water effects of climate change, we will protect health and save lives. And, by using water more efficiently, we shall reduce greenhouse gases. Climate policy makers must put water at the heart of action plans as water can help fight climate change. There are sustainable, affordable and scalable water and sanitation solutions and more innovations will take place when there is adequate funding and space is provided.
“I call on all stakeholders to increase climate action and invest in robust adaptation measures for water sustainability. By limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius, the world will be in a much better position to manage and solve the water crisis that we all face” , said António Guterres , Secretary General of United Nations on his message on the occasion of WWD.
We are already worried with climate change as it is bringing more questions than answers. We have to make sure that we take action to combat climate change and preserve water as freshwater is scarce on earth. But more importantly we are more worried due to spread of corona virus and we must be safe make sure that all are safe.
One of the most important ways of safety is hand hygiene and is essential to containing the spread of COVID-19, as well as other infectious diseases. Let us use water and soap and keep ourselves protected. On this WWD, and any other day let us to wash our hands regularly with water and soap or with an alcohol-based hand gel and keep ourselves protected. Let’s show our best hand hygiene moments to fight COVID19 and let us also commit not to waste water and make wise use of it for sustainable future.
Ranjan K Baruah
(With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)
