President extends greetings on World Water Day

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 22: President Ramchandra Paudel has extended heartfelt greetings to all Nepalis on the occasion of World Water Day (WWD) on March 22. He hoped that the day will inspire efforts to protect water sources and maintain environmental balance.

The WWD has been observed globally on 22 March every year since 1993, following a call by the United Nations, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance, conservation and sustainable use of water -- an invaluable natural resource essential for all life on Earth.

In Nepal, this year’s day is being marked with the message: “The vital role of water in achieving gender equality”, alongside various awareness programmes, said a press statement issued by the Office of the President on Saturday.

According to the President, water is the foundation of life, health, prosperity and social justice. From the earliest human civilisations to the present day, water has guided every aspect of human existence. Ancient civilisations developed along riverbanks, and today, safeguarding water and nature has become increasingly challenging in order to sustain life, he said.

“Groundwater is a vital natural resource that helps maintain ecological balance, regulate river flows, mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a safe supply of drinking water. However, rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, environmental degradation, climate change and pollution are causing water sources to dry up. Ensuring gender equality, inclusive participation and fair access at all levels of water management is now an urgent necessity,” President Paudel said in the statement.

He said, “Excessive extraction of groundwater and the spread of concrete structures in urban areas have hindered natural recharge, leading to a continuous decline in groundwater levels. At the same time, unplanned settlements and growing industrialisation are contributing to groundwater pollution.”

In view of the potential water crisis in the future, it is essential to promote traditional practices such as protecting watersheds and constructing ponds and reservoirs in rural areas to support groundwater recharge, the President said.

He also called upon all government bodies, development partners, organisations and citizens to work together with commitment, coordination and cooperation to ensure water conservation, sustainable use and equitable access.

Meanwhile, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav in his message said that water is the source of life and stressed on preserving and using it judiciously. The World Water Day may inspire the participation and leadership of women and girls in making vital decisions regarding water.