Friday 17 March 2023

Water Conservation essential for ensuring a sustainable future for the next generation: Role of society, youth and children

 

Water conservation is the practice of using water wisely and reducing water waste to ensure the sustainable use of this vital resource. Water conservation is essential for ensuring the sustainable use of this vital resource. By adopting water-saving practices, using water wisely, and educating others, we can all play a role in conserving water and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Some of the key messages of World Water Day 2023 include the importance of recognizing the true value of water, the need for integrated and equitable management of water resources, the need to protect ecosystems that provide water, and the importance of promoting water education and awareness. World Water Day 2023 will provide an opportunity for governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to come together and raise awareness about the importance of water and take concrete actions to protect and manage these precious resources.

Society can play a crucial role in water conservation by adopting water-saving practices. These practices can include fixing leaking taps and pipes, installing water-efficient fixtures, and using water wisely in their homes and businesses. By reducing water consumption, society can ensure that there is enough water available for the next generation.

Young people can play an active role in promoting water conservation by raising awareness about the importance of water and its limited availability. They can organize campaigns, workshops, and events to educate their peers and their communities on the need for water conservation. They can also take concrete steps to reduce their water consumption, such as taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, and using reusable water bottles.

Children can be taught from a young age about the importance of water and how to conserve it. Parents and teachers can incorporate water conservation into their daily routines and teach children about the importance of turning off the tap while brushing their teeth, using a bucket to water plants instead of a hose, and taking shorter showers. These practices can instill a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in children from an early age.

According to the NITI Aayog's Composite Water Management Index (CWMI) report of 2019, 600 million people in India are facing high to extreme water stress, and 75% of households do not have access to drinking water on premises. (Source: https://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/document_publication/CWMI_2.0_REPORT-v2.pdf). As per the CWMI report, 21 Indian cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, will run out of groundwater by 2020, affecting 100 million people. (Source: https://niti.gov.in/writereaddata/files/document_publication/CWMI_2.0_REPORT-v2.pdf) .According to a report by WaterAid, a non-profit organization, around 163 million people in India lack access to clean water near their homes, which is the highest number in the world. (Source: https://www.wateraid.org/in/water-supply-sanitation-2020/india). The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that 2019 was the seventh consecutive year of below-normal rainfall in India, leading to drought-like situations in several regions. (Source: http://cwc.gov.in/sites/default/files/ihreports/Report2019.pdf).In 2021, several districts of Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur, were hit by a severe water crisis due to inadequate rainfall and depletion of groundwater levels. The state government had to deploy water tankers to supply drinking water to the affected areas. (Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-faces-severe-water-crisis-in-30-blocks-govt-to-spend-rs-1-500-crore-101621240676527.html) .According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), around 37.7 million Indians are affected by waterborne diseases every year, and 1.5 million children under the age of five die due to diarrhoea alone. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7303117/)

They are few steps that can be followed:

Installing water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can help to reduce water consumption without compromising performance.

Using water wisely means being mindful of how much water is used and making conscious efforts to reduce consumption. This can include taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing dishes, and only running washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.

Landscaping is an area where significant amounts of water can be saved. Using drought-resistant plants, watering the garden in the early morning or late evening, and using drip irrigation systems can help to reduce water waste.

Harvesting rainwater can provide an alternative source of water for gardens, lawns, and other non-potable uses.

Educating others about the importance of water conservation and how to conserve water can help to spread awareness and encourage more people to take action.

By adopting water-saving practices, raising awareness about the importance of water conservation, and educating the next generation, society, youth, and children can play an essential role in conserving water and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

Anuradha Mohanty,

Executive Director, PECUC, anuradhabbsr2015@gmail.com

 

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