NEW DELHI, Oct 22: President Droupadi Murmu presented the 5th National Water Awards today, honoring 38 recipients across nine categories, such as Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Water User Association, and Best Civil Society.
In her remarks, President Murmu noted that the government has successfully provided tap water connections to over 78 percent of rural households through the Jal Jeevan Mission, which began in 2019 when only 17 percent of rural areas had access to safe drinking water. She highlighted the mission’s positive impact on rural communities and stressed the vital role of state governments in water conservation, while also raising concerns about the depletion of groundwater resources.
Odisha earned the first prize in the Best State category, with Uttar Pradesh securing the second place. Gujarat and Puducherry jointly achieved third place. Each award recipient received a citation, trophy, and cash prizes in certain categories.
The National Water Awards aim to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations throughout India in fulfilling the government’s vision of a Jal Samridh Bharat (Water Rich India). Anu Garg, Odisha’s Additional Chief Secretary for Water Resources, mentioned the state’s efforts in creating water bodies and establishing water harvesting structures.
Anurag Srivastav, Additional Chief Secretary of Drinking Water in Uttar Pradesh, reported that the state has provided drinking water to 84 percent of rural households under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
In the Best Schools category, the Government Upper Primary School in Sikar, Rajasthan, received the first prize. The principal, Hariram Kulhari, stated that considerable work has been accomplished in water harvesting over the past year.
