Srinagar, Mar 22: On World Water Day, experts stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts at every level to conserve water for future generations, as the global water crisis continues to escalate.
They said that with the increasing global population, the demand for water is rising at an alarming rate, exacerbating existing challenges such as water scarcity, pollution and inadequate infrastructure.
Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Er Firdous Ahmad, associated with Indian Institute of Engineers and an Executive Officer in the Jal Shakti Department, said this year’s theme “water for peace” underscores the critical importance of cherishing, preserving and responsibly utilising water resources to avoid future scarcity and distress.
“It is imperative that initiatives, ranging from the local community level to the state and international levels, prioritise water conservation, preservation and equitable access, transcending borders,” he stressed.
Dr Mukhtar, another officer from the Jal Shakti Department, echoed similar concerns, saying there has been an alarming depletion of pure water bodies due to ongoing human intervention.
He warned that unless immediate action is taken, there may not be enough water available for current and future generations. “Despite the availability of water, pollution levels are rising, threatening the safety of all water sources,” he added.
Dr Mukhtar said it is crucial to act now before the situation spirals out of control and becomes irreversible.
Experts underscored the importance of promoting water conservation, investing in water infrastructure and adopting efficient water management practices to mitigate the impacts of the water crisis. They said there is a need for collaborative efforts to safeguard this invaluable resource and ensure access to clean water for everyone.
“Only through collective action and unwavering commitment can we address the global water crisis and work towards a more sustainable and water-secure world,” they said.
According to the United Nations, approximately 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 4.2 billion lack access to safely managed sanitation services.
—(KNO)
