Water Conservation Day
By Dr Arvind Kumar
The recent decision of
Union Ministry of Water Resources to observe 19 November, the birth anniversary
of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as Water Conservation Day to create
awareness about the need to conserve water is a laudable move. The urgency for
water conservation in Indian context assumes immense significance in view of
the fast depletion of groundwater resources, pollution of surface water
resources and rapid pace of melting of Himalayan glaciers. Water
conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce
our demand for water. Using less water also puts less pressure on our sewage
treatment facilities, and uses less energy for water heating. Saving water also
saves energy.
Water conservation is an
important tool for reducing water demand, and limiting water use should be an
everyday practice for people and businesses. In many instances, water is wasted
by old habits, like leaving the water running when we brush our teeth, and
using old appliances like toilets which were built before conservation
standards took effect. Water conservation may require changing old habits and
re-thinking the way we do things. It is interesting to note that the draft new
water policy, as drafted by Ministry of Water Resources, lays due emphasis on a
holistic and interdisciplinary approach to water related problems, which was
earlier missing and public agencies tend to take decisions without consulting
stakeholders, often resulting in poor and unreliable service characterised by
inequity. Besides, there is also need for capacity building of the people in
water sector by sensitizing, incentivizing and galvanizing them about water
conservation.
#WaterConservation #WaterResources #Stakeholders #Sensitizing #Water #Importance
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