Why in News?

• Recently, the International Day of Action for Rivers (IDAR) is observed on march 14 to promote awareness of the importance of the river systems on the planet earth.

Highlights

• It calls for the designation of rivers as a national treasure.
• The participants of the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams held in March 1997 in Curitiba Brazil adopted the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life.
• 20 countries’ representatives had decided that the International Day of Action would take place on 14 March Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams.
• It demonstrates how crucial rivers are to sustaining human life.
• Rivers and other freshwater environments are crucial sources of clean water for agriculture and drinking but are sadly being subjected to significant quantities of pollution and contamination by both the general people and industries.
• The day tries to focus on the uneven access to clean water and the pollution occurring due to human activities.
• This is the reason behind the increase in the pollution of freshwater.