World Water Day is celebrated on the 22nd of March every year to raise awareness about the importance of water and the need to conserve and manage it sustainably. The significance of World Water Day is to overcome the issues of the global water crisis and the measures that can be taken to address this issue.
Water is an essential resource for life, and it plays a crucial role in preserving the environment, agriculture, industry, and human health. However, despite its importance, the world is facing a severe water crisis.
According to studies an estimated 2.2 billion people have no access to safe drinking water and 4.2 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services. The situation is further aggravated by. climate change, pollution, and overuse of water resources, leading to water scarcity, drought, and water-related conflicts.
The theme for World Water Day 2023 is “Valuing Water,” which aims to emphasize the economic, social, and cultural value of water and the need to manage it in an unbiased and sustainable manner. The theme also seeks to highlight the role of individual communities and stakeholders in ensuring access to safe and affordable water for all.
Life on earth depends on water which makes earth unique from other planets. On earth 70% of water is present but only about 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater. Of that, only about 1.2 % can be used as drinking water; the rest is locked up in glaciers, ice caps, and permafrost, or buried deep in the ground. Most of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. The human body has a similar composition with 70 % water which plays a major role in carrying out all the physiological processes. Water is crucial to ingest and expel in the physiological process for any living being. Water has equal importance to other nutrients as it naturally contains lots of electrolytes.
Our ancient science also has depicted ways of water consumption according to the seasons and different time zones of the day.
- In Varsha rutu (Rainy season) water has to be boiled and one should have it in lukewarm form.
- In Shishir rutu (winter Season) one should keep water in copper vessels so that it remains warm and provides body heat which is needed in harsh winters.
- In Grishma rutu (Summer Season) one should consume water preserved in mud pots. Additionally, one may add some herbal roots like Vala to this water to serve as a coolant and reduce the aggravated heat.
To address the global water crisis, several measures can be taken.
- Firstly, there is a need to improve water governance and management by involving local communities and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
- Secondly, there should be a focus on water conservation and efficiency measures, such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and water reuse.
- Thirdly, there should be a concerted effort to address the root causes of the water crisis, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.
In conclusion, World Water Day is an important occasion to raise awareness about the global water crisis and the need to manage water resources sustainably. By valuing water and taking concrete measures to conserve and manage it, we can ensure access to safe and affordable water for all and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Do the earth a favor, be a water saver.
Author. Archana Amol Patil.
Nutrition wellness coach,
Atreya Innovations Pvt Ltd.
Vaidya Shillpa Venkatesh Jamdarkhana
Certified Ayurveda Wellness Coach
Atreya Innovations Pvt Ltd.
