Did you know that around 783 million people across the world don’t have access to clean water? Around 6 to 8 million people die annually as a consequence of disasters and water-related diseases, according to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) which has chosen International Year of Water Co-operation as the theme for this year’s World Water Day on March 22.
UNESCO said there is a need for people and communities to cooperate in water management. If water resources are not managed effectively, it would have adverse effects on human lives and the economy.
Closer home, several programmes have been planned across the city by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and various non-governmental organisations to educate citizens about the need to conserve and use water judiciously.
Most organisations working to conserve water in the city are using World Water Day as a platform to highlight the water crisis that the city is likely to face. The organisations are also using this day to highlight the need for rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling and lake conservation. A campaign will be organised by Arghyam — the Alternative, which aims to help citizens engage in sustainable water solutions for water conservation in the city. (See graphic)
A press release by Arghyam said its campaign seeks to bring together communities and engage citizens around water conservation at every level. Besides, ITC Windsor on Friday will also take part and observe the World Water Day by demonstrating the need to conserve water and showcase the best practices embedded by performing a skit at its hotel.
Ever wondered how waste water treatment plants operate? Here is your chance to visit a waste water treatment plant on March 23 at Cubbon Park and Yelahanka. The BWSSB will keep their plants open to the public to educate citizens about the need to save, reuse and recycle water.