Sat Mar 22 00:50:00 UTC 2025: ## World Water Day Highlights Global Water Crisis, Underscores India’s Ranking
**New Delhi, March 21** – As World Water Day (March 22nd) approaches, the global water crisis is again in sharp focus. While clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, billions lack access, highlighting the urgent need for conservation. This year’s theme, glacier conservation, underscores the importance of these vital freshwater sources.
A recent report reveals that over two billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, with diarrheal diseases resulting in the death of a child under five every two minutes. This stark reality prompted the creation of World Water Day, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting conservation efforts.
Countries like Iceland, Norway, Finland, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Switzerland lead in access to clean drinking water. However, India ranks 139th globally in terms of access to safe drinking water, despite being the 10th largest consumer of water. Neighboring Pakistan fares even worse at 144th. The lack of access to clean water in India contributes to widespread waterborne illnesses such as typhoid and diarrhea. China, another neighboring country, ranks 54th.
The report emphasizes that clean water is not only essential for survival but also contributes to overall health and well-being. World Water Day serves as a crucial reminder of the global challenge and the need for immediate action to ensure access to safe drinking water for all.
First Piper 