- Sunday, April 28, 2024
This year’s theme was ‘Water for Peace’, which underscored the interconnectedness of water and global stability, emphasizing the imperative for cooperation and collective action to address water-related challenges.
By: Shubham Ghosh
ON the tranquil shores of the revered River Ganga at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, a significant assembly of global leaders, esteemed dignitaries, and dedicated advocates for water conservation and peace convened on Friday (22) to mark World Water Day.
The World Water Day serves as a vital platform to emphasize the significance of freshwater and advocate for its sustainable management and equitable distribution. This year’s theme, ‘Water for Peace’, underscored the interconnectedness of water and global stability, emphasizing the imperative for cooperation and collective action to address water-related challenges.
With more than three billion people worldwide relying on water that traverses national boundaries, the importance of international collaboration becomes evident. However, despite 153 countries sharing rivers, lakes, and aquifers with neighbouring nations, only 24 countries have reported cooperation agreements encompassing all their shared water resources.
In a collaborative effort by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), the one-day event was held. The objective was to encourage dialogue, inspire action, and acknowledge remarkable contributions towards establishing a world that is secure in its access to water.
HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, president of Parmarth Niketan and co-founder of GIWA, delivered a compelling pledge and call to action on the occasion. The impassioned message was met with a standing ovation from participants and youth, underscoring the influence of faith-based communication.
Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, secretary general of GIWA, also gave an inspiring address emphasizing the importance of making choices about what one eats and consumes based on man’s interconnectedness with water, natural resources, and Mother Nature.
She made a statistical representation suggesting that by opting to become vegetarian, one could make a significant contribution to the planet’s life.
The event was attended by Ritu Khanduri, speaker of the legislative assembly of Uttarakhand state, who delivered a keynote address underscoring the role of governance in ensuring water sustainability and stressing the need for collective action.
Emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, Danish ambassador to India Freddy Svane delivered a special address at the event, reaffirming his country’s dedication to global water security initiatives.
Setting the tone for the event, Vinod Mishra, country manager of UNOPS India, highlighted the significance of collaborative endeavours in addressing water-related challenges.
The event saw the release of “Good Practices in Water Management”, a compendium capturing innovative strategies and solutions from Rapid Action Learning workshops conducted in Uttarakhand and its neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh.
Among speakers who were present on the occasion are Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, former director general of National Mission for Clean Ganga, India’s ministry of Jal Shakti; Monica Singhal, founder of HariOm SMILES; Dr Ruchi Badola from the Wildlife Institute of India, and Anshul Jain, convener of the Indo-Nordic Water Forum. The event was moderated by Ganga Nandini, project director, GIWA.
Special Ganga Awards were presented on the occasion to individuals and organisations for making outstanding contributions towards creating a water-secure and inclusive world in which no one is excluded, followed by a group pledge for water conservation and a solemn water-blessing ceremony. The 1,000-strong audience including youth pledged their time, talent, technology and tenacity for a water-secure and peaceful future.
The day concluded with a symbolic rally to the Ganga Ghat and a special World Renowned Ganga Aarti with ‘Water for Peace’ messages in the evening, connecting another more than 1000 pilgrims in person and more online.
