President Droupadi Murmu confers 5th National Water Awards

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred the 5th National Water Awards 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, and stressed that conservation of water resources is the “collective responsibility” of all.

The awards were presented to 38 winners in nine categories. This includes Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Water user Association and Best Civil Society.

In the category of Best State, the first prize has been conferred upon Odisha, with Uttar Pradesh securing the second position, and Gujarat and Puducherry jointly securing the third position.

Speaking during the event President Droupadi Murmu said that water is a basic necessity and a fundamental human right for every individual.

“A clean and prosperous society cannot be built without ensuring access to clean water” she said.

President Murmu said, “The unavailability of water and poor sanitation have a greater impact on the health, food security and livelihood of the underprivileged”.

The President said the government has provided tap water connections to over 78 percent rural households across the country under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

“When the Mission was launched in 2019, only 17 per cent rural households have access to safe water” she added.

She highlighted that the role of state governments is important in water conservation.

“The need to remember that conservation and enhancement of water resources is the collective responsibility of all. Without our active participation, it is not possible to build a Water-Secure India” she said.

The President said that the National Water Awards is a commendable step towards promoting relevant approaches and actions towards water resources.

She expressed confidence that the “Best Practices” of the awardees would She expressed confidence that the “Best Practices” of the awardees would reach the masses through this event.

During the event , C.R Paatil, Minister of Jal Shakti, launched the “Catch The Rain Best Practices 2024 boo” which highlights innovative water conservation techniques.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has been undertaking a comprehensive campaign to spread awareness about water management and water conservation on a national level.

The National Water Awards (NWAs) focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and the organizations across the country in attaining the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’.

“The awards are for creating awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivating them to adopt best water usage practices” said the Ministry.

The List of Awards in different categories as follows:-