Every year, March 22nd is commemorated as World Water Day. The first World Water Day was observed by the United Nations in 1993. The idea behind celebrating this day is to create awareness among the masses regarding its importance and to ensure that steps are taken towards effective management of this scarce necessity.

Each year, the UN-Water proposes a unique theme for World Water Day. This year it has set the theme as Leveraging Water for Peace.

Water is one of the most essential ingredients of our life. Without which there are no chances of life on earth. The survival of all living organism depends on it.

Causes of water scarcity

So what leads to shortage of water? Well, the answer to this question is both man-made and natural reasons contribute towards the shortage of this finite resource.

With global warming causing melting of the glaciers and snow-caps at a faster pace, coupled with frequent and severe droughts, the availability of fresh water has drastically reduced to an alarming level. Moreover, increased water wastage and sea water pollution by industries and humans have further strained the availability of fresh and clean water.

Impact of water scarcity

Water shortage has negatively impacted life on earth in various ways. Firstly, it has adversely affected human health. Less water supply means we have less water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene. It is heart-wrenching to mention that every one out of four people that makes over two billion people across the globe do not have access to clean drinking water while approximately 46% of the people are deprived of the sanitation facilities. This in turn causes death of around eight million people each year as they become victims of water-borne diseases such as typhoid and diarrhea.

In addition, insufficient water supply has also hampered the development and growth of economies to a great extent. This means that since there is less water for irrigation, fewer crops will be grown, the factories will produce less goods, hence leading to an overall shortage of many different food items.

Ways to tackle water shortage

In order to mitigate water scarcity and reduce the problems created due to its shortage, actions both at the individual and the national level need to be taken.

Save water: As the saying goes, if you want to initiate any form of goodness, you must start from your own self. So in order to save water, you must start by saving as much, and wasting as little as possible. This can, for instance, be done by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, lathering your hands with soap, or washing your face. This simple act can save a significant amount of water.

Also report leaks if you notice in your bathroom or anywhere in the house or even in your school.

Reuse water: Always remind your mum or cook to save the water with which they have washed or cleaned the vegetable or meat; collect it and use it for watering plants. You can also reuse the water from pet bowls and from unfinished drinking glasses.

Say no to water pollution

Kids, you are the future! The more you save and keep water and the environment clean, the better and safer the world will be for generations to come. When you visit rivers, lakes and seas, make sure you don’t leave any trash or litter behind. Your actions to conserve water and protect nature will not only help the environment, but also safeguard the homes of fish, animals and other creatures that live in the water.

Every little effort you make today will go a long way in preserving our planet for tomorrow.

2024’s Theme — Water for Peace

This Year’s theme impels the trans-boundary countries to pay heed and instead of waging wars over water, cooperate with each other and resort to peaceful solutions of distribution, conservation and protection of this meagre natural resource. Thereby making it a source of peace.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 23rd, 2024