World Water Day 2025, Date, Theme, Celebrated, Objective

World Water Day was declared by the United Nation to be celebrated on 22nd March every year with the goal of highlighting the significance of freshwater and supporting sustainable management of water resources. Celebrated for the first time in 1993, the day spreads awareness about the need to address water issues around the world and the problems associated with drinking water. World Water Day 2025 focuses on the theme “Glacier Preservation”. 

World Water Day 2025 Overview

World Water Day observed on 22nd March discusses the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of water resources. The day aims to spread awareness about global water challenges, access to clean drinking water, water scarcity and sanitation. Government organisations, NGOs and individuals take part in campaigns, activities and discussions to promote water conservation and critical issues related to water. 

World Water Day 2025 Theme

The theme of World Water Day 2025 is “Glacier Preservation” highlighting the need of saving the world’s glaciers as they play a very important role in balancing the water cycle of the planet. 

With climate change accelerating glacial melting, the availability of freshwater is becoming increasingly uncertain. 

70% of Earth’s freshwater is stored in the glaciers, which becomes a source of drinking water, industry, and clean energy production. Due to rising global temperatures, glaciers in areas like the Himalayas, Andes, Alps and Arctic are shrinking at an alarming rate, human settlements and endangering ecosystems. This makes glacier preservation an important survival strategy to take immediate action. The focus of World Water Day 2025 is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, implement sustainable water management practices, and promote international cooperation to safeguard glaciers and the freshwater reserves they provide.

World Water Day Celebration

Water is a fundamental right for humans and yet around 2.2 billion people around the world lack access to drinking water. Due to the impact of climate change, urbanisations and excessive demand, lack of water access has become a huge problem for the 21st century. World Water Day aims to promote sustainable water management and use. The objectives of World Water Day includes: 

1. Raise awareness about the importance of freshwater.
2. Encourage actions to tackle the global water crisis.
3. Promote water conservation and sustainable management.
4. Support global initiatives like SDG 6 for universal access to clean water.

World Water Day Importance

Water is fundamental to life, sustaining human health, agriculture, industries, and ecosystems. However, water scarcity, pollution, and mismanagement pose serious threats to global stability. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to ensure water and sanitation for all by 2030, but rapid urbanization, climate change, and excessive consumption make achieving this goal increasingly challenging.

On World Water Day 2025, organizations, governments, and communities come together to promote water conservation, improve water governance, and encourage policies that support equitable access to water.

Water Status in India

India, home to 1.4 billion people, faces a severe water crisis. According to reports, around 35 million people lack access to safe drinking water, while 678 million people lack access to proper sanitation. The country’s growing population, urban expansion, and erratic rainfall patterns contribute to worsening water scarcity.

Despite having 18% of the world’s population, India has only 4% of global freshwater resources. The water status in India is alarming due to:

• Severe groundwater depletion in several regions.
• Pollution of surface and groundwater sources.
• Unequal water distribution, with some areas facing floods while others experience droughts.

Key Water Challenges in India

1. Groundwater depletion is worsening, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
2. Poor water quality, with 70% of India’s water being contaminated.
3. Inefficient irrigation methods lead to excessive water wastage.
4. Climate change impacts, causing erratic monsoons and prolonged droughts.

Groundwater Depletion in India

India is the highest consumer of groundwater, extracting more than the United States and China both. The overuse of groundwater for industrial and domestic reasons leads to water-shortage, in agricultural states like Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. As per of Central Groundwater Board:

• 17% of groundwater blocks in India are overexploited.
• 5% are critical, meaning they are on the verge of depletion.
• 14% are semi-critical, requiring immediate conservation measures.

The Indo-Gangetic basin, an important agricultural region, is a reason for groundwater depletion, threatening food security as well. 

Government Initiatives for Groundwater Regulation in India

To address groundwater depletion, the government of India has introduced several initiatives:

• Atal Bhujal Yojana – Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan – A nationwide campaign promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
• National Water Policy – Provides guidelines for efficient water use and regulates groundwater extraction.
• Jal Jeevan Mission – Aims to ensure tap water connections for every rural household by 2024.

While these initiatives mark significant progress, reversing groundwater depletion requires stronger enforcement, active community involvement, and sustainable agricultural practices.