The importance of hygiene and cleanliness was always impressed upon us but we never actually took it seriously. That was until the COVID-19 pandemic hit home and it became imperative to wash our hands frequently and sanitize ourselves. While it may not sound so alarming to us urbanites who are blessed to have water 24*7 we need to spare a thought for the not-so-privileged lot who do not even have access to the proper water supply.
In order to create awareness regarding this, a not-for-profit international organization WaterAid is running a campaign with cricketing stars like Veda Krishnamurthy, Harmanpreet Kaur, and WV Raman are playing their part at defending the wicket with WaterAid’s specially designed bats.
Quoting WaterAid, “This bat is just a quarter of the size of a standard cricket bat and it conveys the challenges people face while trying to defend themselves against COVID-19 with inadequate access to water.”
As per The 2030 Water Resources Group Report, by 2030 the demand for water in India is expected to exceed supply by 40%, so the aim of WaterAid is to bring water to those who need it the most.
Indian right-handed batter, Veda Krishnamurthy, while lending her support says,“Handwashing with clean water and soap is the first line of defense against coronavirus, but only a quarter of households in India have access to clean drinking water. Together, we can help bring water to those who don’t have it. And that’s why I have joined WaterAid’s campaign. I’m delighted that my sport is being used to bring attention to this issue.”
Team India is ready for the face-off! But, is India ready for its face-off with the water crisis? Cheer for our boys on the field and join @vedakmurthy08 in #BattingForWater off the field. Play your part now 👉 https://t.co/QAVBYZGuVy@BCCI #INDvENG #TeamIndia #SaveWater pic.twitter.com/B6TdNYUCjD
— WaterAid India (@WaterAidIndia) February 5, 2021
WV Raman, the Indian women’s team coach, and former left-handed opener, played for India between 1988-1997. Speaking about his own experience and his support for WaterAid, Raman said, “Hailing from Chennai, I have experienced how the scarcity of water impacts quality of life. Top it up with a pandemic that requires regular handwashing and you have a terrible situation. I support WaterAid’s endeavour to bring water to everyone so that we as a country are able to excel in all areas of our lives as we excel in cricket.”
WaterAid’s COVID -19 projects in India are installing handwashing facilities in markets, schools, health centers, and other public places. They are also running mass media campaigns to promote the importance of good handwashing and hygiene. WaterAid is working with local governments through the Bring Water campaign.
Source – The Times Of India
Loves all things female cricket