World Water Day 2017: Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik's unique appeal to save water
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has a unique appeal to save water this World Water Day. The artist from Odisha has created a series of intricate sand sculptures highlighting the importance of water conservation.
World Water Day is observed on 22 March to bring more attention to a crisis faced by millions around the world and in India - limited access to fresh and clean water. World Water Day 2017 focuses on wastewater. According to the United Nations, over 80% of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature polluting the environment and losing valuable nutrients.
Take a look at Mr Pattnaik's stunning sand sculptures
His students joined in his appeal to not waste water as well, creating more sand art in Odisha's popular Puri Beach
India has the most number of people – a whopping
63 million – living in rural areas without access to clean water, according to a new report. That is almost as much as the entire population of the United Kingdom.
There are several small ways you can reduce the amount of water you waste. For instance, turn off the taps when you are brushing your teeth, shaving or even washing dishes. Avoid putting oils, food waste and chemicals down the drain because the more you put down, the more it costs to treat.
The
United Nations General Assembly officially designated 22 March as World Water Day in 1993.