Every year on March 14, there is a celebration known as the International Day of Action for Rivers to bring attention to the worth and significance of rivers. Also, it brings people from all over the world together to talk and raise awareness about pollution, river management, and fair access to clean, flowing water.
History of International Day of Action for Rivers:
The First World Conference of Persons Affected by Dams, held in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil, saw the adoption of the International Day of Action for Rivers. The major objectives are to unify opposition to harmful water development projects, recover the health of watersheds, and call for the equitable and sustainable management of rivers.
Significance & why is it celebrated
The International Day of Action for Rivers is “a day dedicated to solidarity – when diverse communities throughout the world come together with one voice to proclaim that rivers matter,” according to the International Rivers organisation. The purpose of the day is to share knowledge about how rivers support our way of life. It emphasises freshwater ecosystems (rivers) as a source of clean water for agriculture and drinking, as well as their restoration and maintenance.
On March 14, a number of events are held worldwide, including river cleanups, online seminars, river walks, and paddleboard celebrations. Volunteers from all over the world assemble to spread awareness about preserving the river bodies. The International Rivers group staged around 120 events in 32 nations in 2021, including Bangladesh, Guam, and Germany.
Theme of the 2023 International Day of Action for Rivers
The theme of the 2023 International Day of Action for Rivers is “Rights of Rivers,” which calls for the recognition of rivers as a national treasure. It also involves the legal authority to prevent rivers from becoming sewage or trash disposal areas.
Quotes for International Day of Action of Rivers 2023
Rivers are the arteries of our planet. They are lifelines in the truest sense.
Rivers never go in reverse. So, try to live like a river, forget your past and focus on your future.
If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.
Facts on International Day of Action for Rivers
Some of the most interesting facts about rivers and the International Day of Action for Rivers are as follows
March 14, 2023, will mark the 26th anniversary of the International Day of Action for Rivers.
Around 30-32 countries participate in the celebration of this day.
Some of the events held on International Day of Action for Rivers include river walks, cleaning drives, webinars, and other events.
The longest river in the world is the Nile (6,650 km) in Egypt, and the shortest river in the world is the river Roe (61m) in the United States.
Some rivers flow beneath the surface of the earth and are called subterranean rivers.
Rivers are of two kinds: rain-fed rivers and snow-fed rivers.
Rivers are the lifeline of all living beings in the world. With continuous human activities, many rivers have shrunk and are polluted.
International Day of Action for Rivers, celebrated on March 14 every year, emphasises conserving the rivers by uniting people in the effort.
India And The International Day Of Action For Rivers
India is a unique country where rivers are cherished, but pollution is a significant problem. Rivers regarded as deities include the Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu (Indus), and Cauvery.
The freshly constituted Union Jal Shakti Ministry is committed to restoring and maintaining wetlands in river basins as well as combating the alarming levels of river pollution. The Union Jal Shakti ministry has previously been asked to develop a plan for cleaning up the nation’s polluted river segments by the National Green Tribunal, the country’s pollution watchdog.