World Water Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, and 5 Simple Steps to Conserve Water

Only 2.5 per cent of the Earth’s water is classified as fresh. The water crisis is a big issue in India as per the 2019 Niti Aayog report. Despite accommodating 17 per cent of the global population, India possesses only 4 per cent of the planet’s freshwater resources. World Water Day, commemorated every March 22, serves to underscore the criticality of fresh water. Below, we look at the theme of this year’s event, its history, and its significance. Additionally, implementing five straightforward steps to conserve water can significantly address this pressing issue.

World Water Day 2024 Theme

The theme for this year’s World Water Day campaign is “Water for Peace”. The scarcity of fresh water often sparks conflicts among individuals, communities, and even nations. Shockingly, only 24 out of 153 countries have established water-sharing agreements, according to the United Nations (UN). To mitigate potential conflicts and guarantee access to basic water needs across borders, water conservation is imperative. This effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure water and sanitation for all by 2030.

World Water Day: History

In 1992, during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, the proposal to designate an annual day for water conservation was introduced as part of the UN’s Agenda 21.

Subsequently, in December of the same year, the UN General Assembly formally accepted this proposal through its resolution A/RES/47/193, thereby establishing March 22 as World Water Day. The inaugural observation of World Water Day took place the following year, with the theme, “Caring for our Water Resources is Everybody’s Business.”

World Water Day: Significance

Observed by the UN and coordinated by UN-Water, World Water Day creates awareness about key issues related to water use. The day is used to inspire people, elected officials, others in governance and lawmakers to take a proactive stand regarding the unfolding crisis of water and sanitation across the globe.

5 Steps To Conserve Water

1. Turn off the tap while washing dishes instead of letting it run continuously.
2. Close taps tightly when not in use, particularly while brushing teeth or lathering soap.
3. Regularly check and repair any leaks in toilet cisterns or wash tanks to prevent water wastage.
4. Keep showers brief, and consider turning off the showerhead while applying soap or shampoo to conserve water.
5. Repurpose stale water for activities such as watering plants or flushing toilets to minimise waste.