NGOs Working on Water and Sanitation

Why NGOs Working on Water and Sanitation?

News sources provide a worrisome picture as summer 2024 draws near. Farmers complain about declining food prices, cities struggle with water shortages, and inhabitants wait in queue for water tankers as a result of climate change's effects on water supply. These problems draw attention to the harsh truth that instability and peace are hampered by a lack of access to water. March 22nd is World Water Day, and the important subject this year is Water for Peace.

News sources provide a worrisome picture as summer 2024 draws near. Farmers complain about declining food prices, cities struggle with water shortages, and inhabitants wait in queue for water tankers as a result of climate change's effects on water supply. These problems draw attention to the harsh truth that instability and peace are hampered by a lack of access to water. March 22nd is World Water Day, and the important subject this year is "Water for Peace." The importance of NGOs Working on Water and Sanitation and in promoting peace, prosperity, and resilience is highlighted by this subject. Tensions can arise between nations and communities when water is limited or supplied unevenly.

UN-Water organised the worldwide event, World Water Day, which brought individuals and groups together to promote awareness of the value of freshwater. That is a harsh reminder that access to water is a basic human right and that all living things depend on it to survive. Even still, 2.2 billion people globally still do not have access to clean drinking water, highlighting the significance of this issue. World Water Day has special meaning for India. Currently home to 17% of the global population, we are the most populated nation in the world. Only 4% of the freshwater resources in the globe are accessible to this sizable population. This difference poses a significant problem.

Purchasing water systems that offer a consistent supply regardless of the weather is another proactive measure to mitigate the effects of climate change. Enhancing infrastructure to reduce leakage and boost productivity guarantees that every drop is utilised efficiently. Furthermore, water systems may be made more robust to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns by using climate-resilient designs.

The Need for Drinking Water in India

The suggested water needs in India are outlined by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and vary based on things like flushing systems and population density. Indian homes utilise between 70 and 100 litres of water per person per day for household use on average. This covers hydration, cooking, bathing, and housekeeping. However, this amount may rise to 150 to 200 litres per person per day in larger cities with complete flushing systems.

The truth is that a lot of Indians have difficulty meeting their fundamental demands for drinking water, even in spite of these standards. The issue is made worse by unequal distribution and a lack of water.

India's Potential Action Areas for Water Security:

Water Budgeting and Recharge:

Tracking water availability and consumption with NGOs working on water and sanitation helps to determine how much water is left over after use. This guarantees sustainable usage, avoids overexploitation, and facilitates informed decision-making. In contrast, water recharge aims to restore groundwater reserves by using methods such as natural filtration systems and rainfall collection. The adoption of a water budget by the state of Kerala in April 2023 was a sign of optimism. In order to end summer shortages and guarantee fair distribution of water, this project places a high priority on efficient management of water resources. Such cutting-edge strategies, including water budgeting and recharging, are essential advancements. Other states can use water budgeting to efficiently track and manage water resources by taking Kerala's lead. Water recharging can also be greatly aided by large-scale rainwater collection projects, such as the revival of historic stepwells in rural regions and rooftop harvesting systems in urban areas.

Resilient Infrastructure:

An enormous volume of treated water is lost due to leaks in many Indian cities' old water pipes. It is essential to upgrade these water treatment facilities with NGOs working on water and sanitation and pipes in order to guarantee a steady supply of clean water. The introduction of groundwater recharge techniques requires significant investment from cities like Bengaluru, which rely on groundwater for their drinking water needs. Major Indian cities are expanding quickly, yet in order to ensure sustainable growth, it is crucial to preserve the traditional recharge and discharge procedures around these towns.  

Fairness and Education:

The availability of clean water is frequently restricted in slums and marginalised areas. Achieving fair access requires prioritising piped water connections to these communities and making sure water costs are reasonable. Sensible water usage may also be enhanced by educational initiatives that support water saving methods in communities and schools.

Recycling wastewater:

"Recycling the world's wastewater, almost all of which goes untreated, would ease global water shortages while protecting the environment," the United Nations states. With the country's population growing, we have to acknowledge that groundwater and precipitation are insufficient to provide India's 1.4 billion people with clean drinking water. Grey water (wastewater from non-toilet usage) and stormwater (runoff water) must be treated immediately and returned to customers. Chennai is among the Indian cities that has led the way in wastewater treatment and recycling. Though Bengaluru has made significant progress, it still lags well behind its potential. To guarantee that drinking water is available to everyone, including the most disadvantaged, we must implement widespread water treatment and recycling.

In the end, there's a call to action. Water may be a source of cooperation rather than conflict in the future if we recognise the critical role it plays in ensuring peace and prosperity, implement sustainable water management methods (such as water budgeting and recharge), and encourage international cooperation. Let's all learn how to manage this priceless resource like good stewards. To guarantee that "Water for Peace" becomes a reality rather than simply a slogan in the future, let's collaborate with Search NGO.

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