Water for Peace

World Water Day- March 22

• First proposal-The idea was first proposed during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro under Agenda 21 in 1992.
• UN Resolution- In 1992, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring March 22 as World Water Day.
• Implementation- It is a United Nations (UN) observance coordinated by UN-Water.
• Need- It is now observed globally to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
• Report- UN launches its flagship report on water and sanitation for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
• 2024 theme- ‘Water for prosperity and peace’, focuses on critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world.

Key Issue

About

Impact

Rapid Urbanization

The rapid growth of cities and urban areas leads to increased demand for water for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes

It results in overexploitation of local water sources and strain on water supply systems. Example- Bengaluru water crisis.

Industrialization

Industrial activities require significant amounts of water for manufacturing processes, cooling, and other purposes.

Many industries contribute to water pollution, further degrading water quality and reducing availability for other uses.

Unsustainable agricultural practices

Agriculture is the largest consumer of water in India, with irrigation accounting for the majority of water withdrawals

Inefficient irrigation methods, overuse of chemical fertilizers, monoculture farming contribute to water scarcity and degradation of soil and water quality.

Climate change

Changing weather patterns, including erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and more intense monsoon seasons, exacerbate water stress in many regions of India.

It adversely affects water cycle resulting in worsening floods, rising sea levels, shrinking ice fields, wildfires and droughts.

Inefficient water management

Insufficient investment in water infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, and water treatment facilities, hinders the efficient management and distribution of water resources.

Leakage from pipes, inefficient irrigation practices, and lack of wastewater treatment facilities result in significant water losses and contamination.

Lack of stakeholder engagement

A lack of engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, communities, and industries

It hampers effective water management and conservation efforts.

Steps taken by India to conserve water

• National Water Policy - It was updated in 2012 to govern the planning and development of water resources and their optimum utilization.
• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater - It has been prepared in 2020 with respective State counterparts which includes artificial recharge in both rural and urban areas.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2023- It is targeting “Source sustainability for drinking water” for source strengthening/ source stabilization of rural drinking water supply schemes.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana- It was launched in 2015 to enhance water use efficiency and irrigation coverage in agriculture.
• Mission Amrit Sarovar- It was launched in 2002 with the aim to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district of the country as a part of celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana- It was piloted in 2018 along with World Bank to recharge ground water and create sufficient water storage for agricultural purposes.
• Central Ground Water Authority- It has advised all States/UTs to take measures to promote and adopt artificial recharge to ground water and rain water harvesting.
• Jal Jeevan Mission- The studies conducted in rural areas of Tamil Nadu show that access to safe drinking water under the leads to time savings for women, which they can utilize for household tasks, childcare, and children's schooling