Habitat or shelter is one of the basic amenities that every human being thrives for. To highlight upon the human settlement conditions and throw light upon the basic right to shelter, United Nations (UN) has declared an entire day, known as the World Habitat Day. It is a global awareness day that reveals the importance of proper shelter. Also, this day intends to inform and enlighten people towards their responsibility for the future of the human habitat. World Habitat Day is a theme based event.
The prime objective of this day is to lay emphasis on developing and improving the status of urban environment in the cities, including work in the biggest slum communities in the world. To meet the needs of the ever-increasing population, it has become a cause of concern. Also, due to erratic climatic changes, it is important to build such habitats that are with-stand the harsh climatic changes. Moreover, the shelters must be completely resistant to impacts of disasters, as this could be one of the reasons of inappropriate residing condition. Owing to this reason, the UN formulates the base of different themes every year. This year the UN has decided the theme ‘Urban Mobility’. This is so because, the need for mobility & access to goods and services is important so that the cities and towns expand efficiently.
This day is observed annually on the first Monday of October. This year, World Habitat Day will be celebrated on 6th October across all parts of the world. A lot of countries including India, take part in this theme based event.
The Government of India celebrates this day by organising a full day-long seminar which is held in the country’s capital city, Delhi. World Habitat Day is conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation in association with other organisations viz. The Housing and Urban Development Corporation, The National Housing Bank, The National Buildings Construction Corporation and The Buildings Materials Technology Promotion Council of India.
Besides this, several competitions such as theme based painting competition, essay writing competition etc. are conducted in schools across the country.
World Habitat Day is not a public holiday but an international day of observance.
How to celebrate World Habitat Day at home?
- Narrate the importance of having adequate shelter to your children.
- Help the poor and destitute by arranging a shelter home for the homeless.
- Encourage your children to make posters and slogans on World Habitat Day.
- Indulge in charitable activities during the day.
Use the above mentioned tips to make this day a memorable one for each homeless person.
