World Water Day

Did you know?

- 1.4 million people die annually due to poor water, sanitation, and hygiene.

- 1 in 4 people which translates to 2 billion people worldwide, lack safe drinking water.

- 3.6 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services.

- USD 120 billion of economic losses from urban property flood damages per year globally

No country how advanced or backward is either on the brink of or are facing water crisis.

Water impacts people’s lives as well as economic conditions.

According to an article published by United Nations, when it comes to safely managed water and sanitation, ‘Right now, we are seriously off – track’.

As per OECD, countries are off track when it comes to planning as well as financial resources.

For instance, EU members’ current level of investment for water supply and sanitation is just 1/3rd of what is needed.

Water infrastructure planning is done based on historical data and water availability patterns, which can’t handle future conditions. Also, today’s water infrastructure can deal with current global conditions. With world facing constant challenges like Pandemic, Climate change, etc., there is definite need for new approaches to planning & decision making.

In nutshell, governing bodies need to continue their efforts and work much harder to achieve their goals in this aspect…this begs THE question – ‘Is it the sole responsibility of Governments, Social bodies, NGOs, etc. to take initiatives?’

Answer to this question is very SIMPLE, “Water affects everyone, so everyone NEEDS to act.”

This was the thought behind this year’s World Water Day –

‘Be the change you want to see in the world’.

There is an ancient story – ‘One day in the forest, a fire broke out. While the other animals stood and watched, a hummingbird was flying back & forth to the fire with drops of water. The bigger animals laughed and said – “You can’t put out this fire!” to which the bird said, “I am doing what I can”’.

It’s high time that we act and think like the hummingbird and not stand on the side lines like other animals. After all, we will be the ones who burn if we don’t put out the fire!!!

Next time you leave the tap open for no reason, ignore a leaking pipe, deliberately use more water …think TWICE, think HARD!!!