March 14th of every year is dedicated as the International Day of Action for Rivers (IDAR). This observance aims to amplify awareness of the importance of river systems globally. The name was initially International Day against Dams, for Rivers, Water, and Life. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the day’s recognition.
Key Points Concerning IDAR
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Rights of Rivers”. The campaign is designed to advocate for the designation of rivers as national treasures. This particular day originated from the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil, back in March 1997. Representatives from 20 different nations decided to set the International Day of Action on March 14, coinciding with Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams.
The crucial role of rivers in sustaining human life is highlighted during this day. Freshwater environments such as rivers are vital sources of clean water used for agriculture and drinking. However, human activities and industrialization have led to significant pollution and contamination of these resources. The IDAR focuses on these challenges, specifically addressing the uneven access to clean water across the world.
Indian Initiatives Related to River Conservation
In India, several initiatives have been launched to promote river conservation and pollution abatement. One of these programs is the Namami Gange Programme, an Integrated Conservation Mission approved by the Union Government in June 2014. This program primarily aims to reduce pollution and rejuvenate the National River Ganga, which was declared as the ‘National River’ of India in 2008.
Another initiative is the Ganga Action Plan, established by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 1985. The purpose of this plan is to improve water quality by intercepting, diverting, and treating domestic sewage. This was the first River Action Plan, and further efforts in this direction have been encompassed under the National River Conservation Plan.
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
Specifically, the NRCP is a scheme implemented to curb pollution in identified stretches of rivers across the country, excluding those in the Ganga basin. The plan provides financial and technical assistance to States/Union Territories on a cost-sharing basis.
National River Rejuvenation Mechanism
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Ministry of Jal Shakti to establish an appropriate National River Rejuvenation Mechanism. This mechanism aims for efficient monitoring of steps to control pollution and the rejuvenation of all polluted river stretches across the country.
The article discusses the significance of the International Day of Action for Rivers, its history, and its themes. It highlights the importance of rivers to human life and the environment. It also explains various Indian initiatives related to river conservation such as the Namami Gange Programme, Ganga Action Plan, and National River Conservation Plan (NRCP). The role of the National Green Tribunal in the establishment of the National River Rejuvenation Mechanism is also detailed.
