World Water Day and wastage of water

Water is a finite resource, and awareness of its usage and conservation is essential. While Bangladesh has not yet faced a catastrophic water crisis like parts of Africa and the sub-Saharan region do, the country is under growing pressure due to rapid population growth and increasing demand from agriculture and industry.

Observed annually on 22 March since 1993, the World Water Day aims to address the global water crisis and promote the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It also raises awareness about the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. Like the rest of the world, Bangladesh marks this day with various initiatives. This year's theme, Glacier Preservation, highlights the urgent need to protect the world's glaciers, which serve as a crucial source of freshwater. Glaciers, essentially rivers of ice, move slowly from mountainous regions and release water downstream as they melt. The focus on glacier conservation is timely, given a recent report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, which warns that within the next 25 years, over half of the world's food production could be at risk due to water shortages.

Beyond large-scale conservation efforts, small individual actions can also make a difference. One often-overlooked form of wastage occurs in everyday life-specifically, the water left at the bottom of bottles at formal events, whether corporate or social. Many attendees fail to finish their bottled water, leaving behind significant amounts that, when accumulated, result in a considerable waste of this vital resource.

To address this, event organisers and policymakers could adopt simple yet effective measures. Providing smaller bottles-such as 200-millilitre options-or offering a single-use glass for shared consumption could significantly reduce wastage. Such practices should be introduced at large gatherings, including conferences, meetings, and festivals where excessive waste typically occurs. With the World Water Day 2025 approaching, the government could take an initiative to implement an action plan to minimise the wastage of bottled water. Encouraging mindful consumption at events would be a step towards sustainable water management, reinforcing the broader message of conservation that this international observance promotes.

Md. Refatul Hossain

Additional Director (retd)

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

Faridpur Region.

refatdae87@gmail.com