Introduction
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable water management. It was first designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993, and each year highlights a specific theme related to water challenges. The theme for World Water Day 2025 is "Water for Peace", focusing on the role of water in fostering stability and preventing conflicts.
Water is a vital natural resource necessary for human survival, agriculture, industries, and ecological balance. However, water scarcity, pollution, and poor management threaten its availability and quality. For UPSC CSE aspirants, understanding the significance, challenges, and solutions related to water is essential, as it is frequently covered in Prelims, Mains, and Essay papers.
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✅ History and Significance of World Water Day
First Observed: March 22, 1993.
Initiated by: United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
Aim: To raise awareness about water conservation, management, and access to clean water.
UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Ensures availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Themes of Recent Years:
2021: Valuing Water
2022: Groundwater – Making the Invisible Visible
2023: Accelerating Change
2024: Water for Prosperity
2025: Water for Peace
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🌏 Current Water Crisis: Global and Indian Scenario
1. Global Water Scenario:
Water Scarcity: According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), 25% of the world’s population faces extremely high water stress.
Water Pollution: 80% of wastewater globally flows back into ecosystems untreated, harming biodiversity.
Transboundary Water Conflicts: Disputes over shared water resources (e.g., Nile River conflict between Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan).
Impact of Climate Change: Glacial melting, altered rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts affect water availability.
2. India’s Water Scenario:
Population Pressure: With 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of global freshwater resources, India faces severe water stress.
Agricultural Water Usage: Around 85% of India’s water is used for irrigation, causing over-extraction of groundwater.
Groundwater Depletion: As per Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 256 out of 700 districts face critical or over-exploited groundwater levels.
Water Quality Issues: Fluoride, arsenic, and nitrate contamination affects drinking water quality in several states (e.g., Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan).
Urban Water Crisis: Cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi face periodic water shortages due to poor planning and over-extraction.
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⚠️ Challenges in Water Management
1. Water Scarcity and Depletion:
Over-extraction of groundwater due to intensive irrigation.
Rainwater harvesting is underutilized.
Poor water-use efficiency in agriculture (flood irrigation wastes water).
2. Water Pollution:
Industrial effluents and untreated sewage pollute rivers (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna).
Pesticides and fertilizers contaminate groundwater.
Plastic and microplastic pollution in water bodies.
3. Climate Change Impact:
Erratic monsoons and droughts affect water availability.
Melting glaciers in the Himalayas alter river flows.
Rising sea levels cause saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.
4. Inefficient Water Management Policies:
Poor implementation of water conservation laws.
Lack of proper monitoring and regulation of groundwater extraction.
Inter-state water disputes (e.g., Cauvery, Krishna, and Ravi-Beas river disputes).
5. Inadequate Infrastructure and Wastewater Treatment:
Insufficient wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) lead to untreated discharge into rivers.
Poor sewage systems in urban areas contribute to contamination.
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🌿 Government Initiatives for Water Conservation in India
✅ 1. Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
Launched in 2019 to promote water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Focus on water-stressed districts.
✅ 2. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Aims to provide tap water to all urban households.
Water recycling and reuse in urban areas.
✅ 3. Namami Gange Programme
Launched in 2014 to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River.
Focus on sewage treatment plants (STPs) and riverfront development.
✅ 4. National Water Policy (2012)
Promotes efficient water use and conservation.
Suggests pricing water to prevent wasteful usage.
✅ 5. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Aims to achieve “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field).
Promotes micro-irrigation techniques.
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💡 Sustainable Water Management Solutions
1. Efficient Water Usage in Agriculture:
Drip and sprinkler irrigation to reduce water wastage.
Promoting crop diversification in water-scarce regions.
Adoption of rainwater harvesting on farmlands.
2. Rainwater Harvesting (RWH):
Mandatory RWH structures in urban areas.
Encouraging RWH in rural households.
3. Wastewater Treatment and Recycling:
Reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and industrial use.
Setting up decentralized wastewater treatment plants.
4. Water Conservation Techniques:
Check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds to recharge groundwater.
Contour plowing and mulching to prevent soil erosion and water runoff.
5. Community Participation:
Watershed management programs with local community involvement.
Public awareness campaigns on water conservation.
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🌍 International Cooperation on Water Management
✅ 1. UN Water Conference:
Discusses global water policies and challenges.
Promotes cooperation for transboundary water management.
✅ 2. India’s Water Diplomacy:
Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan (1960).
Teesta Water Sharing Agreement with Bangladesh (pending).
✅ 3. Global Water Partnerships:
World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) support water management projects.
UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme for sustainable water development.
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🔥 UPSC Practice Section
✅ MCQs for Prelims
1. World Water Day is observed on:
(a) March 22
(b) June 5
(c) April 7
(d) October 2
✅ Answer: (a) March 22
2. What percentage of Earth's water is freshwater?
(a) 71%
(b) 29%
(c) 3%
(d) 1%
✅ Answer: (c) 3%
3. The largest consumer of freshwater in India is:
(a) Industries
(b) Households
(c) Agriculture
(d) Power generation
✅ Answer: (c) Agriculture
4. The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is signed between:
(a) India and China
(b) India and Pakistan
(c) India and Bangladesh
(d) India and Nepal
✅ Answer: (b) India and Pakistan
5. Which Indian river is most polluted?
(a) Brahmaputra
(b) Ganga
(c) Godavari
(d) Kaveri
✅ Answer: (b) Ganga
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✅ Mains Questions
1. "Water scarcity is a major threat to India's sustainable development." Examine the causes and suggest remedial measures. (GS Paper 3)
2. "Transboundary water disputes in South Asia hinder regional cooperation." Analyze the statement with suitable examples. (GS Paper 2)
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