March 22: World Water Day

The World Water Day (WWD) is observed every year on 22 March to spread message of preservation and rationaal consumption of water.
The day focuses attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in developing countries. It also advocates for sustainable management of freshwater resources.
 2017 Theme: “Why Wastewater?” It focuses on wastewater and ways to reduce and reuse as over 80% of all the wastewater. It also highlights that untreated wastewater flows from homes, industry, cities and agriculture to nature causing pollution and leading to loss of valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials. It also highlights that waste water as a valuable resource and its safe management as an efficient investment in the health of humans and ecosystem.
This year, observance of the day is supported by various stakeholders across the globe. Many organizations promoted clean and affordable water campaigns for people and sustainable aquatic habitats. In India, Union Ministry of Water Resources had conducted seminar on Waste Water – Monitoring and Management. 

Background

The WWD was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. Later, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) accepted the recommendation of UNCED and instituted this day by adopting a resolution A/RES/47/193 in December 1992. The first World Water Day was celebrated on 22 March 1993. Since then, it is observed annually to draw attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of fresh water resources.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2017