At the 6th National Water Awards 2024 and the inaugural Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards held in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu called for collective action to ensure water availability and long-term water security, stressing that climate change is disrupting the natural water cycle and increasing pressure on already limited water resources.
Emphasis on conservation and public participation
- The President highlighted that with India’s large population and finite water reserves, efficient and responsible water use is essential.
- Congratulating the awardees, she emphasised that water is fundamental to survival and praised the contributions made across the country to conserve this critical resource.
- She also noted that under last year’s public participation programme for water conservation, over 3.5 million groundwater recharge structures have already been built, demonstrating the strength of community-driven efforts.
Recognition across ten categories
- The event saw 46 winners honoured across ten award categories, including Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Institution, Best School, and Best Individual.
- In the Best State category, Maharashtra secured the first position, followed by Gujarat and Haryana.
- The awards ceremony underscored the growing national commitment to water preservation, sustainable use, and community-led conservation initiatives.
About the National Water Awards
- The National Water Awards, instituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recognise exemplary work in the field of water conservation, water resource management, and sustainable practices.
- Launched to encourage a Jan Andolan (people’s movement) for water, the awards highlight best-performing states, districts, panchayats, institutions, and individuals who demonstrate innovative and effective water-saving initiatives.
- By showcasing success stories from across India, the awards aim to inspire replication of best practices and strengthen the country’s overall water stewardship.
About the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards
- The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards celebrate outstanding contributions by communities and individuals towards groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, water restoration, and local-level conservation efforts.
- Introduced to promote public participation, these awards recognise grassroots initiatives that mobilise citizens to protect and rejuvenate water bodies.
- By honouring community-driven models, the initiative underscores the belief that water security can be achieved only through collective ownership and participation, reinforcing the spirit of Jan Bhagidari in sustainable water management.
