Kathmandu, March 22: The World Water Day 2026 is being observed with a variety of programmes today. The day is being observed across the globe today under the theme “Water and Gender,” and slogan “Where water flows, equality grows”.
Observed on 22 March, the campaign highlights the critical intersection of water access, sanitation, and gender equality, focusing on how women and girls are disproportionately impacted by water scarcity and structural barriers Meanwhile in a message on the occasion, President Ramchandra Paudel has said that all government agencies, development partners, civil society organisation and the general public should work with mutual cooperation, coordination and commitment in order to preserve water and ensure its sustainable use and equal access.
He has also pointed out the need to ensure general equality, proportional participation and just access at every tiers of drinking water management. “Water is the basis of life, health, prosperity and social justice. From the development of human civilization to the present day, water has guided every aspect of life. Ancient human civilizations developed on the banks of rivers, and in the present situation, the task of conserving nature and water to preserve the existence of life is becoming increasingly challenging,” President Paudel has said in the message.
The President has said that in view of the challenge of future water scarcity it is necessary to protect the watershed area for replenishing groundwater resources and promote traditional methods such as the construction of ponds and lakes.
In a similar message, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has said that it is necessary to make state policies effective to ensure equitable distribution and access to water. “Water is the basis of life, its conservation and proper utilization is our common responsibility,” he has said in the message. Stating that the groundwater level is decreasing, especially in the Tarai-Madhes, the springs and natural resources of the hilly areas are drying up, he said that everyone should work together to convert these challenges into opportunities, as water conservation is not only an environmental issue but also a question of national existence and future.
The world has been celebrating March 22 as International Water Day every year since 1993 at the call of the United Nations with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance, conservation and sustainable use of water. This year, World Water Day is being celebrated in Nepal with various public awareness programs with the message ‘The important role of water for gender equality’.
