World Environment Day
 

 

"Water : Two billion people are dying for it!"

- Theme of World Environment Day, 2003.

 

 

Water is the source of life as well as the most essential natural resource for sustenance of all forms of life on this planet. Natural and human systems depend on it for survival. Freshwater is the single most precious element for life on Earth. It is essential for satisfying basic human needs, health, food production, energy and maintenance of Regional and Global ecosystems. Although 70 % of the World's surface is covered with water, only a fraction of that ( 2.5 %) is freshwater, of which, 70% is frozen in ice caps. The remainder is present as soil moisture. This leaves less than 1% of the World's freshwater resources accessible for human use.

The Worldwide statistics regarding provision of safe drinking water are very disturbing indeed.

  • 1 person in 6 lives without regular access to safe drinking water.

  • More than 2.4 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation.

  • Water related diseases kill a child every 8 seconds, and are responsible for 80% of all illnesses and deaths in the developing World.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Water is not easily accessible to all. A good proportion of people in the developing World have to walk miles for a bucket of water (that too with no guarantee of it being safe and potable). The scarcity is increasingly becoming an issue and has invited Worldwide attention of authorities, scientists and specialists, as well as common people. The growing demand of water is outstripping supply with the increasing contamination of rivers, lakes and streams. In recognition of importance of water resources to the planet's future, United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2003 as the 'International Year of Freshwater'.

 

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE........

  • Raising awareness about the rising water crisis and creating a consciousness among all sections of society so as to promote conservation and reduce irresponsible behaviour of polluting water sources.

  • Changing behaviour in water use, sanitation and hygiene.

  • Mobilising the energy and participation of communities, particularly women groups.

  • Setting National and Global targets and laying out plans to generate investment to fulfill those targets on a time bound frame.

  • Putting in place policies and regulatory frameworks for water management that take into account both public health and ecosystem needs.

  • Forming partnerships between private enterprises, bilateral donors, development agencies, banks, civil societies and local communities.

Ask Yourself:

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HOW MUCH WATER DID YOU SAVE TODAY?

 

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THE WATER YOU WASTE IS THE WATER YOU DON'T GET!

 

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SAVE IT WHILE YOU STILL CAN.

- Message from Delhi Jal Board on the occasion of World Environment Day.

 

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"Lack of access to water for drinking, hygiene and food security - inflicts enormous hardships on more than a billion members of the Human Family.

 

Water is likely to become a growing source of tension and fierce competition between Nations, if present trends continue, but it can also be a catalyst for cooperation. the International Year of Freshwater can play a vital role in generating the action needed - not only by Governments but also by civil society, communities, the business sector and individuals all over the World. "

- In the words of Kofi Annan, UN Secretary General.

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