The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has recently unveiled a report highlighting that one in five children globally live in regions of high or extremely high water vulnerability. Released in the lead-up to World Water Day on 22nd March, the report is part of UNICEF’s ‘Water security for all’ initiative.
‘Water Security for All’ Initiative and Identified Hotspots
UNICEF’s initiative focuses on areas where physical water scarcity risks intersect with poor water service levels, aiming to rally resources, partnerships, innovation, and global response to these critical spots. UNICEF identified 37 hot-spot countries where children face particularly troubling conditions, requiring urgent action and support. Countries such as Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sudan, Tanzania, and Yemen emerge as especially vulnerable.
Key Findings of the Report
Children in over 80 countries live in regions exhibiting high or extremely high water vulnerability. Eastern and Southern Africa are the worst hit, with 58% of their child population grappling with water scarcity daily. Subsequently, West and Central Africa (31%), South Asia (25%), and the Middle East (23%) also have considerable water vulnerability issues. Over 155 million children in South Asia are at risk due to high water vulnerability.
The Water Crisis in India
India, despite having only 4% of the world’s freshwater, must cater to 17% of the world’s population. A 2018 NITI Aayog report suggests that India is dealing with the most severe water crisis in its history. Approximately 600 million people, close to 45% of the country’s population, face substantial water stress. The report forecasts that nearly 40% of the Indian populace will have no access to drinking water by 2030, and this water crisis might lead to a loss of 6% of India’s GDP by 2050.
Underlying Causes of India’s Water Crisis
Over-exploitation is leading to a steady decline in the country’s groundwater table as shown by estimates of the Central Groundwater Board. With 85% of rural water supply, 45% of urban water supply, and over 64% of irrigation depending on groundwater, this unabated decline poses significant challenges for India’s agricultural and drinking water needs. Accumulation of sediments in major and medium irrigation dams reduces storage capacity, as highlighted by the Central Water Commission’s 2020 report. Climate change also takes its toll by inducing major changes in rainfall levels.
Central Government Initiatives for Water Security
The Central Government has launched various initiatives like “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain” Campaign, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and set up the Ministry of Jal Shakti. These initiatives focus on rainwater harvesting and provision of universal water supply coverage across rural and urban areas. Additionally, a focus on water conservation and security forms part of these schemes.
State Government Initiatives for Water Security
Multiple states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan have taken specific measures starting from establishing water villages, campaigns to save water and earn money, to launching various Yojanas/Programmes for water security and conservation.
Significance of World Water Day
World Water Day observed globally on 22nd March underscores the importance of water and raises awareness about the global water crisis. It supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. It was first marked in 1993 following a resolution by the UN General Assembly in 1992 with themes varying every year.
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), a special program of the United Nations (UN), plays a crucial role in enhancing the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children around the world. Established initially in 1946 to aid children affected by World War II, it became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953 and has been recognized for its work promoting peace. UNICEF, guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, operates in over 190 countries through its 7 regional offices.
