International Day of Action for Rivers: Rights of Rivers
The 25th anniversary of the International Day of Action for Rivers is being commemorated this year. It's a day designated to valuing protecting and spreading awareness about the water that sustains us. Rivers are an essential component of our planet's ecosystems, providing water, food, and habitat for millions of species. However, they are facing numerous threats, including pollution, overfishing, and the construction of dams. To raise awareness about the importance of protecting rivers and advocate for their preservation, the International Day of Action for Rivers was established in 1998. This day serves as a reminder of the critical role that rivers play in sustaining life and the urgent need to protect them from harmful human activities. As the organization International Rivers states, "We need healthy rivers to survive and thrive as a species."
Theme 2023:
- The theme of this year anniversary is the "Rights of Rivers" initiative, which campaigns for river appreciation as a national resource.
- This year there is also focus on the preservation of the biodiversity of the river ecosystem and flora and fauna living in it.
International Relevance:
This day has been proved instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of maintaining rivers and fighting to safeguard them. It has also led to the development of policies and regulations to protect rivers, such as the United States Clean Water Act and the European Union's Water Framework Directive, which prioritize the preservation and restoration of river ecosystems.
Relevance in India:
In India, the International Day of Action for Rivers has been significant in raising awareness about the importance of protecting the country's river systems. The day is celebrated through various events, such as rallies, river clean-up drives, and educational campaigns. The Indian government has also taken steps to protect rivers, including the enactment of the National River Conservation Plan in 1995, which aims to improve the rivers water quality across the country. The government has also implemented the Namami Gange Programme, a national initiative to rejuvenate the Ganges River, one of the country's most important and polluted rivers. These policies reveal the importance of the International Day of Action for Rivers in promoting the preservation and restoration of river ecosystems in India.
In Himachal Pradesh, the government has implemented various policies to protect the state's rivers, including the Himachal Pradesh River Rafting Rules, 2005, which regulate water sports activities in the state's river systems. Additionally, the state government has initiated the Mukhya Mantri Nadi Mein Sampada Yojana, a program aimed at the rejuvenation of rivers and their catchment areas.