U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro celebrates the world day
Jamshoro, Sindh
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, in collaboration with WaterAid, celebrated the World Water Day under the theme “Accelerating Change: The World I Want to Live in” on Wednesday March 22, 2023.
Director National Water Center, Prof. Dr. Kamran Jan Ansari highlighted the importance of freshwater and advocated for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
This year’s theme, “Accelerating Change: The World I Want to Live In,” emphasizes the need to take immediate action to achieve a sustainable future for all.
He said our National Water Center aimed to address the critical water issues in Pakistan through research, education, and innovation in the water sector. “Water is essential for life, and access to safe and clean water is a fundamental human right. However, billions worldwide still lack access to clean water, and the water demand is rapidly increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization,” Dr. Ansari said adding that this has led to water scarcity, pollution, and degradation of freshwater ecosystems.
Guest speakers, Ms. Raheema Panhwar, Gender Advisor, WaterAid; Prof. Dr. Bakhshal Khan Lashari, Emeritus Professor, MUET; Prof. Dr. Khan Muhammad Brohi, Dean FACE, MUET, and Dr. Ammanullah Mahar, Director Environmental Science, UoS, highlighted the importance of reducing water waste and taking steps to reduce water consumption by fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and adopting water-saving habits like turning off the tap while brushing teeth, showering.
“We need to sensitize the community and give awareness about saving water,” speakers said adding that ‘we are disturbing marine life and not moving towards rain harvesting.’
They urged protecting freshwater ecosystems essential for biodiversity, water quality, and human well-being. “We can protect these ecosystems by reducing pollution, conserving water, and restoring degraded habitats. We need to improve water governance, invest in water infrastructure, address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, promote participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes and form policies.”
They said that 4.5 million people don’t have access to water, and 141 million don’t have access to safe water. Similarly, 15.5 million people need access to sanitation services, and 70.5 million have limited access or worse. Further, 45.5 million people don’t have access to hygiene services, and 44 million have limited access or worse.
A poster competition was also organized, and student exhibited their poster presentation at World Water Day 2023. Faculty, staff and students participated in World Water day celebration. A water awareness walk followed the event. (PR)
__________________
