• UGI USER
  • Mar 22, 2024
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WATER, AN INSTRUMENT TO BUILD WORLD PEACE

SYLLABUS :

GS-1: WATER from Geography point of view

GS-3: WATER as a resource

Why in news :

  • 22nd March is celebrated as world water day and the need to preserve water as an essential good.
  • Recent water crisis in Bangalore
Source: UN
  • Background and Significance:
    • Initiated by the United Nations in 1993, World Water Day is observed annually on March 22.
    • Aims to raise global awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management practices.
Amount of WATER

Oceans :                               97.3

Ice-caps :                              02.0

Ground water :                      0.68

Fresh water lakes :              0.009

Inland seas and salt lakes : 0.009

Atmosphere :                       0.0019

Rivers :                                0.0001

 

  • Theme for 2024: Water for Peace:
    • Focuses on the role of water in fostering peace and addressing conflicts arising from water scarcity.
    • It highlights the critical need to manage water resources effectively to maintain peace and stability.

Water Crisis:

  • Factors Contributing to Water Crisis:
    • Rapid urbanization and industrialization.
    • Unsustainable agricultural practices.
    • Climate change and erratic rainfall patterns.
    • Water overuse and inefficient management.
    • Pollution and inadequate infrastructure.
  • Impact on India:
    • India, comprising 17% of the world’s population, possesses merely 4% of the planet’s freshwater reservoirs.
    • India faces significant challenges related to water availability and quality.
    • Expected reduction in water availability by 2025 and 2050.
    • Groundwater depletion, particularly in states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
    • Intermittent flows and drying up of rivers and streams.
    • Increasing groundwater discharge surpassing recharge rates.
    • Adverse effects on agriculture, food security, and ecosystems.

Need for Conservation Measures:

  • Role of Rainwater Harvesting:
    • Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is essential to enhance water availability and quality.
    • In-situ and ex-situ RWH techniques promote resilience against water scarcity and aid in irrigation.
    • Large-scale RWH structures optimize surface water utilization and recharge groundwater.
  • Government Initiatives:
    • Emphasis on programs like ‘Per Drop More Crop’ and ‘Gaon ka Pani Gaon Mein’ under PMKSY.
    • Focus on water conservation, watershed management, and rejuvenation of water bodies.
    • Need for a comprehensive protocol for the revival of ponds and water bodies at the village level.
  • Monitoring and Management:
    • Regular monitoring of groundwater levels and water quality.
    • Implementation of pricing mechanisms for water use.
    • Adoption of circular water economy principles.
  • Technological Solutions:
    • Integration of water resources with micro-irrigation systems and IoT-based automation.
    • Promotion of integrated water resource management practices.
  • Community Engagement:
    • Awareness campaigns on water conservation and sustainable practices.
    • Encouraging community participation in water management initiatives.

Towards Water Security:

  • Sustainable Solutions:
    • Promotion of low-water requirement crops and optimal crop planning.
    • Building resilience against climate change impacts.
    • Collaboration between research, industry, and academia to implement innovative technologies.
  • Ensuring Peace Through Water Management:
    • Addressing water scarcity contributes to peaceful coexistence.
    • Strengthening water security aligns with the theme of World Water Day 2024.
    • Collective efforts can lead to a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Conclusion:

  • Achieving Water Security through implementing conservation measures and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for addressing the global water crisis and achieving Sustainable developmental goals .
  • By prioritizing water management, India can ensure water security and contribute to a more peaceful world.

 

Source :

  • The Hindu

Mains practice question

  • “Discuss the significance of World Water Day in the context of global water management, with a specific focus on the theme ‘Water for Peace’ for the year 2024. Evaluate the challenges faced by India in achieving water security and suggest comprehensive measures to address the water crisis, considering the diverse factors contributing to it”.