Shillong, March 22: World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to draw attention to the value of water and to the global water crisis.
The purpose of the day is to “help the accomplishment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030,” according to the United Nations website.
The major goal of the day is to raise awareness and motivate people to manage freshwater resources sustainably, as well as to learn more about issues related to water, such as water pollution, scarcity, inadequate water, and lack of sanitation, and to take the necessary action to make a difference.
On December 22, 1992, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution designating March 22 as World Water Day. Since then, March 22 has become a day of celebration for people all around the world. In 1993, the inaugural World Water Day was observed.
The adage “Water is the elixir of life” is well known. It is necessary for everything in life, from drinking to cleaning. While many individuals enjoy the luxury of having access to running water constantly, a sizable portion of the world’s population lacks any kind of water supply.
According to the UN, two billion people worldwide currently lack access to clean drinking water. An estimated 1.4 million people die from diseases due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. By 2050, the OECD projects that there will be a 55% rise in world water demand.
‘Accelerating the change to solve the water and sanitation crisis’ is the topic for World Water Day in 2023, highlighting the importance of acting quickly to resolve the worldwide water issue. According to the UN, “billions of people and countless hospitals, companies, farms, and schools lack access to adequate water and toilets. There is a pressing need to quicken transformation and move beyond business as usual”.