Highlights of World Water Day 2023

Today we will discuss the Highlights of World Water Day 2023 in our today's edition of Current Affairs. Read further to upgrade your UPSC CSE knowledge and also understand the topic’s relevance to the UPSC syllabus.

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance.

World Water Day, Theme of World Water Day 2023, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, National Water Mission, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Namami Gange.

For Mains: GS Paper III (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation)

Highlights of World Water Day 2023, About World Water Day, Indian Government Initiative for Water

Context

World Water Day is celebrated annually on March 22nd to bring attention to the importance of water and the need to sustainably manage the world’s water resources.

Probable Question

What is the significance and need of commemorating World Water Day every year on March 22? (150 words, 10 marks)

Highlights of World Water Day 2023

• The theme of World Water Day 2023: World Water Day 2023 is about “accelerating change” to solve the water and sanitation crisis.
• Significance of World Water Day 2023: The celebration of this World Water Day coincides with the start of the UN 2023 Water Conference that aims to unite the world around solving the water and sanitation crisis.
• Objective: The aim is to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030 and other internationally-agreed water-related goals and targets.
• Support: This will be achieved through the collaboration of the national governments and stakeholders from all levels of society.

About World Water Day

Need:

• Lack of access: According to the United Nations, around 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity at least one month a year. 
• Developing Country: These issues are particularly acute in developing countries, where poor water management, limited infrastructure, and climate change exacerbate the problem.
• Various usage of water: The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of water for hygiene and sanitation, as water is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus. 
• Water pricing: Water is often undervalued and underpriced, which leads to wasteful use and inadequate investment in water infrastructure. Pricing water at its true value can incentivize efficient use, promote investment, and raise funds for water management and conservation. However, it is crucial to ensure that pricing policies do not disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable.

Also read: Centre and State Powers over Water Resources

History of World Water Day

• World water day was started to commemorate the first time since March 22 1993.
• The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 is where World Water day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21. 
• The World Water Day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly to be World Day for Water by adopting resolution A/RES/47/193 in December 1992.

Significance of World Water Day

• World Water Day provides an opportunity to spread awareness of the value of water and the need for sustainable water management. 
• Valuing water means recognizing its multiple benefits and ensuring that it is managed in a way that meets the needs of all stakeholders, while also protecting the environment.

Indian Government Initiative for Water

Jal Shakti Abhiyan

• It was launched in 2019.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan is a national campaign that aims to ensure water security and conservation across the country. 

Atal Bhujal Yojana

• It was launched in 2019.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central government scheme aimed at sustainable management of groundwater resources. 
• Under this scheme, the government aims to recharge groundwater sources, promote efficient use of water, and create awareness about the importance of groundwater conservation.

National Water Mission

• It was launched in 2011.
• National Water Mission is a government initiative aimed at conserving water resources, promoting water efficiency, and ensuring equitable distribution of water across the country. 

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana

• It was launched in 2015.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana is a government scheme aimed at improving irrigation efficiency and water use efficiency in agriculture. 

Namami Gange

• It was launched in 2014. 
• Namami Gange is a government initiative aimed at cleaning and conserving the river Ganga, which is one of the most important rivers in India.

Way Forward

• To preserve water requires a shift in mindset and behavior. 
• Simple actions, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water consumption, can make a significant difference. 
• Education and awareness-raising campaigns can also help promote sustainable water use and conservation.
• It is a collective responsibility that requires action at all levels, from individual behavior to national policies and international cooperation. 
• Its significant for all of us to work together to ensure that water is valued, conserved, and managed sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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