WORLD WATER DAY 2013 CELEBRATED ON FRIDAY 22 MARCH

On Friday 22nd March, United Nations and countries across the world celebrated World Water Day 2013. Water is an important resource, so very vital for our existence, our planet and our ecosystem. Those who have access to clean drinking water, that too in abundance are seldom aware of millions of people out there who have no access to clean drinking water and sanitation. In 2010, United Nations declared access to clean drinking water and sanitation as 'human right'. Earth is made up of 70% water, but only 0.001)% of it is actually available for consumption. This year, the United Nations theme for World Water Day is "International Year for Water Cooperation". 

As per UN, 2.6 billion people lack access to basic sanitation and 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water! Availability, access, conservation and sustainability of fresh water is an important agenda which  every nation should give importance to. How can we do our bit in conserving water? Water being a valuable resource, we can do a few things at home or societal level.

1. Don't waste water while showering, washing dishes, washing hands or cleaning purposes

2. Set your washing machine and dishwaster to eco wash, where less water is used.

3. Use only sufficient water while tending to your garden

4. Fix faulty taps and ensure there is no water leakage

5. Educate children the importance of conserving water and not wasting it
6. Encourage discussions on present and future global water issues and shortages. 

7.. Bring awareness among friends, in the neighborhood and society at large the importance of water conservation and sustainability. 

United Nations "Water for Life" best practices award for 2013 goes to :

1. Japan, for the category "best water practices" for a project implemented in the city of Kumamoto in Japan where drinking water for 73,000 citizens is supplied by their pure crystal clean groundwater. Various efforts have been made to maintain the ground water to pass it on to future generations. They also have artificial ground water recharge system.

2. Republic of Moldovo, for the category, "best participatory, communication, awareness raising and education practice", for their project " water and sanitation for all" 

A beautiful must see movie (documentary) by Jessica Yu, "Last call of Oasis" on water crisis and shortages was screened yesterday at The Hague in Netherlands  as a part of human rights based movie screenings "Movies that Matter".