Every year on March 14th, the International Day of Action for Rivers is observed to raise awareness of how crucial rivers are to our daily lives. The day also attempts to increase public awareness of the importance of fair access to flowing, clean water.
The 26th annual International Day of Action for Rivers is taking place this year. The day also raises awareness of the way rivers and other freshwater habitats are becoming more and more polluted as a result of human activity.
History
The International Rivers organization's official website states that the inaugural International Day of Action for Rivers was observed in March 1997. Representatives from more than 20 nations adopted the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life at the first International Meeting of Dams Affected Peoples in Curitiba, Brazil. Additionally, it was decided to observe the day on March 14 in recognition of Brazil's Day of Action Against Large Dams. The International Day of Action for Rivers has since become a global holiday.
Significance
The day is significant because it highlights how important rivers are to maintaining human life. It also emphasizes how these water sources have been threatened by pollution and industrial activity. Rivers and other freshwater ecosystems are important sources of clean water for irrigation and drinking.
However, excessive development, encroachment activities, and the disposal of industrial effluent into rivers have led to the pollution of these water bodies, which has an effect on the populations that depend on them for survival. River bodies must be protected against such actions in order for the earth to flourish sustainably. The goal of the International Day of Action for Rivers is to increase public understanding of these problems and how they ultimately impact people.
In India
India is a unique country where rivers are revered, but pollution is a significant problem. Rivers regarded as deities include the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu (Indus), and Cauvery. The freshly constituted Union Jal Shakti Ministry is committed to restoring and maintaining wetlands in river basins as well as combating the alarming levels of river pollution. The Union Jal Shakti ministry has previously been asked to develop a plan for cleaning up the nation's polluted river segments by the National Green Tribunal, the country's pollution watchdog.
In 2023, International Rivers Day of Action
The International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated every year on March 14. On March 31st of this year, the 26th International Day of Action for Rivers will be held. It's a day to recognize, support, and spread awareness of our vital water source. Take to the streets, demonstrate, and urge key players to alter their policies.
It's a day to educate people about the threats to our rivers and to discover innovative strategies for water and energy conservation. Finally, today should serve as a day of unity and emphasis on the fact that these problems are global in scope rather than merely localized.
Theme 2022
One of the most endangered ecosystems in the world is this bio-diverse one. According to the International Rivers organization, this year's celebration will honor "the relevance of rivers to biodiversity."
Celebration
On March 14, a number of events are held worldwide, including river cleanups, online seminars, river walks, and paddleboard celebrations. Volunteers from all over the world assemble to spread awareness about preserving the river bodies. The International Rivers organization staged around 120 events in 32 nations in 2021, including Bangladesh, Guam, Germany, and Nigeria.
