GS-III
Introduction
World Water Day is an annual event established by the United Nations since 1993, occurring on March 22nd each year. Its purpose is to raise awareness globally about the significance of freshwater.
Over the years, it has focused on different themes to educate people about the importance of this vital resource.
In the past, accessing clean water was relatively easy, as it could be found in wells, ponds, streams, and rivers. However, the situation has changed significantly. Nowadays, there are challenges regarding both the quantity and quality of water available, leading to issues like water scarcity or crises.
Water has always played a crucial role in the development of civilizations. Great ancient civilizations, such as those around the Indus, Nile, Tigris, and Euphrates rivers, thrived because of water resources. However, conflicts also arose over control of these resources. For instance, the historical tension between the Mesopotamian cities of Lagash and Umma, which is one of the oldest known wars in human history, was centered around fertile land and water resources.
What is World Water Day?
World Water Day is an international event aimed at supporting the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring access to water and sanitation for everyone by 2030.
Theme: The theme for 2024 is "Water for Peace."
History: The concept of World Water Day dates back to 1992 when the UN Conference on Environment and Development was held in Rio de Janeiro. In that same year, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating March 22nd as World Day for Water, to be celebrated annually starting from 1993.
Subsequently, other significant celebrations and initiatives were introduced. For example, the International Year of Cooperation in the Water Sphere in 2013, and the ongoing International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, spanning from 2018 to 2028.
Significance: The significance of World Water Day lies in its aim to encourage people worldwide to become more aware of water-related problems and to take steps to address them.
Even though water covers a large portion of the Earth—about 70%, freshwater, which is suitable for drinking and other essential uses, is quite limited, making up only around 3% of the total. Moreover, much of this freshwater is either trapped in glaciers or underground, making it inaccessible for immediate use.
These commemorations emphasize the importance of water and sanitation in various aspects of life. They highlight that access to clean water and proper sanitation is crucial for reducing poverty, fostering economic development, and ensuring the sustainability of the environment.
Different Aspects of Water Crisis in India
- Multidimensional Connotation of Water Crisis: The water crisis in India has various aspects, including physical and economic challenges. These arise from factors like rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change, erratic rainfall patterns, and excessive water usage. Additionally, inefficient water management, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, lack of stakeholder involvement, and runoff caused by heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and sediment accumulation contribute significantly. Water scarcity disrupts ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and ultimately impacts peace.
- Issues of Water Stress: According to the World Resources Institute, 17 countries, including India, face extremely high levels of water stress, which could lead to conflicts and unrest. In India, water availability is already low and is expected to decrease further by 2025 and 2050. Most water withdrawals are for agriculture, followed by municipal and industrial use.
- Groundwater Table Depletion: In India, groundwater levels are dropping in almost every state and major city. For instance, in Punjab, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana, groundwater consumption exceeds availability, raising concerns. Conversely, in states like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the situation is relatively better. Many rivers and streams now run dry or have reduced flows after April-May, impacting water availability for various uses.
- Silting of Reservoirs and Wetlands: The siltation of reservoirs and wetlands, coupled with inadequate maintenance and design flaws, has reduced their storage capacity and effectiveness. This affects irrigation potential and water availability for various purposes.
- Mismanagement of Water as a Resource: Increased tubewell usage and discharge exceeding recharge rates contribute to groundwater depletion. Pollution from sewage and other sources further deteriorates water quality. Lack of effective management exacerbates these issues.
- Lack of Streamlined Approach Across Domains: Government initiatives like 'Per Drop More Crop' and 'Har Medh per ped' focus on specific aspects but lack integration between domestic and agricultural water usage. A comprehensive and localized approach tailored to different regions and states is needed to address all aspects of water usage and conservation.
- Experiencing Meteorological Extremities: India, like the rest of the world, faces extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and floods, exacerbating water insecurity. Erratic monsoons pose challenges for agriculture, affecting the economy.
- Prevalent Issues in Water Discrimination: Access to clean water is often discriminatory based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, caste, language, nationality, disability, health, and socio-economic status. Marginalized groups suffer disproportionately due to environmental degradation, climate change, population growth, conflict, displacement, and migration.
- Continuous Encroachment on Catchment Areas: Urban expansion encroaches on catchment areas of small water bodies, threatening their existence. Many water bodies serve as dumping grounds due to urbanization, exacerbating the problem. State agencies are also guilty of encroaching on water bodies, as highlighted by reports.
Steps Required for Mitigating the Water Crisis
- Adopting a Mix of Traditional and New Technologies: India's food production heavily relies on rainfed regions. The government suggests using a mix of traditional and new technologies to improve soil health and conserve water. It emphasizes efficient water use to make the most out of every drop.
- Emphasizing Quality and Quantity: Improving both the quantity and quality of water is essential for enhancing overall quality of life and peace-building. This involves promoting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring water security, and preserving environmental integrity.
- Adopting Resource Conservation Measures: Implementing measures like rainwater harvesting can mitigate the water crisis. This includes both in-situ and ex-situ methods to capture rainwater and using it for various purposes, such as irrigation and recharging groundwater.
- Reviving Water Bodies: Developing a protocol for reviving ponds and water bodies is crucial. This involves assessing the condition of water bodies, improving water quality, and creating new water bodies in villages to enhance water availability.
- Fostering Collaborative Governance: Improving cooperation among nations for water-sharing is essential, especially in the face of climate change. Universal principles for International Water Law can help ensure equitable water allocation and promote peace.
- Adopting Inclusive Approaches: Inclusive approaches involving indigenous communities, civil society, and academia are necessary for effective water diplomacy and conflict resolution.
- Addressing Rural Issues and Investments: Investing in water accessibility in rural areas can significantly improve living conditions, health, education, and employment opportunities.
- Integrating Technology in Agriculture: Using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in agriculture can promote sustainable water use and productivity.
- Resolving Transboundary River Issues: Implementing effective cross-border water governance can address pollution and ensure equitable water allocation among nations sharing water resources.
- Maintaining Small Water Bodies: Restoring and maintaining small water bodies like ponds and lakes can help recharge groundwater and provide water for irrigation, benefiting nearby communities.
- Adopting Multi-Dimensional Interventions: Implementing various solutions such as efficient irrigation techniques, community awareness campaigns, and water pricing can strengthen water security and promote peace. Collaboration among research, industry, and academia is vital for integrating new technologies and managing water effectively.
Initiatives to Promote Water Conservation:
- U.N. Initiatives:
The United Nations has been actively addressing water issues through various conferences and initiatives. Events like the United Nations Water Conference in 1977 and the International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade from 1981 to 1990 aimed to highlight the importance of water. The 'Water for Life' International Decade for Action from 2005 to 2015 significantly improved access to safe drinking water and sanitation for over 1.3 billion people in developing countries. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the most recent initiative, focuses on ensuring water availability and sustainable management by 2030.
- Indian Initiatives:
India has launched several initiatives to conserve water, including:
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Jal Jeevan Mission
- Jal Kranti Abhiyan
- National Water Mission
- National Rural Drinking Water Programme
- NITI Aayog Composite Water Management Index
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Atal Bhujal Yojana
- National Water Policy, 2012
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
- Per Drop More Crop
Conclusion:
Water conservation is crucial for maintaining peace and well-being. Scarce freshwater threatens various sectors like health, food security, and energy. Through transboundary cooperation and sustainable water management, countries can achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda, leading to improved living standards, economic development, and ecosystem services for all.
