2017-03-22 Wed

Only when the well is dry we learn the worth of water!

But why so...why can’t everyday day be Water Day? Why can’t we pledge to conserve water for a better tomorrow? “Why wastewater”? After all, we have the power of taking shorter showers!

Water is the essential building block of life and by using and reusing it wisely we ensure our survival on the earth. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. And following an appeal, The United Nations General Assembly designated 22nd March as the World Water Day!

Since 1993, World Water Day is celebrated as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater and each year a different theme is selected to celebrate the day. In 2017, the theme is “Why Wastewater.”

This year’s theme focuses on reducing and reusing wastewater. Over 80% of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature polluting the environment. In an attempt to save this wastewater, this day looks forward to improving the collection and treatment of it.

The day also focuses attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, as around 1.8 billion people drink contaminated water; it assures the human right to water and sanitation. Wastewater when safely recycled can be used as a very profitable resource. The possibilities are enormous and this recycled water can be a source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials.

Many events such as theatrical and musical celebrations, educational events, and campaigns to raise money for access to clean and affordable water are held worldwide on 22nd March. Countries across the world have issued stamps and coins to express the importance of water.

An INR 2 coin from 1994 has a water droplet on its reverse with the inscription “Water for Life” in English and “Jal jivan ka adhaar” in Hindi on its outer periphery while “World Food day” in English and “Vishwa Khadya Divas” in Hindi is inscribed on the inner periphery.

India Post has issued stamps relating to various water projects and water bodies in India. An INR 5 commemorative stamp of 2007 celebrates the ‘Water Year’, while an INR 4 commemorative stamp from 1990 expresses the need of “Safe Water” for all. Yet another INR 5 stamp shows the importance of rainwater harvesting.

Water day or not, we should have a habit of conversing water. Save Water Save Life!