Pakistan, like all other countries, will observe 'World water day' on March 22 with the objective to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialisation and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.
This year's theme, Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aims to spotlight and encourage governments, organisations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenge of urban water management.
Different organisations and NGOs in Pakistan plans to hold a series of events to motivate the people to think about this precious gift from the creator and play an effective role to save water for next generations.
Talking to APP, Spokesperson Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) said: "We will definitely observe this day to make the people understand, how much water is important for us". There is growing evidence that water resources will be significantly affected by climate change, both in quantity and quality, particularly through the impact of floods, droughts, or extreme events. The effect of climate change will also mean more complex operations, disrupted services and increased cost for water and wastewater services.
In addition, climate change and disasters will result in bigger migration to urban areas, increasing the demands on urban systems, she went on to add. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 of 22 December 1992 by which March 22 of each year was declared World Day for Water. It was first time observed in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) contained in Chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.
States were invited to devote the Day, as appropriate in the national context, to concrete activities such as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and diffusion of documentaries and the organisation of conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to the conservation and development of water resources and the implementation of the recommendations of Agenda 21.