Overview
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, conferred the 6th National Water Awards, 2024, and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards on November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The awards recognize exemplary work in water conservation and management, emphasizing the importance of community participation and government initiatives in achieving water security. The event also highlighted the progress made under the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative.
Key Highlights
- 46 winners, including joint winners, across 10 categories were awarded for their contributions to water conservation and management.
- The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative has led to the creation of 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures in one year.
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana ranked first, second, and third, respectively, among the states for the 6th National Water Awards.
- The event commenced with the traditional ‘Jal Kalash’ ceremony.
President's Address
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu praised the award winners for their initiatives in addressing water-related problems and creating awareness about water conservation. She also appreciated the Ministry's efforts in ensuring safe drinking water, eradicating open defecation, and conserving water. The President highlighted the significance of water in India's heritage, recalling the term “Sujalam” from the national song, Vande Mataram, which means rich in good water resources.
Key Points from the President's Address
- The President lauded the Jal Jeevan Mission for increasing drinking water supply to rural households from 17% to 81% in the last six years.
- She emphasized that “Jan Shakti” (people's power) can help in the conservation and management of “Jal Shakti” (water power).
- She highlighted the ongoing celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the composition of Vande Mataram, emphasizing the importance of water in the national identity.
Ministerial Addresses
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, expressed gratitude to the award winners and emphasized the impact of the National Water Awards in fostering a competitive environment in the water sector. He cited the water conservation efforts in the Banaskantha District as an example of successful community-led water management.
The Secretary, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri VL Kantha Rao, highlighted the Ministry's focus on water conservation and management through public collaboration, aiming to turn it into a Jan Andolan (people's movement). He mentioned the achievements of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
The Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, gave a vote of thanks and acknowledged the awardees for their exemplary work in water conservation and management.
Reports Launched
Reports on National Groundwater Resource Assessment, 2025, and National Groundwater Quality Assessment, 2025, were launched by the Minister of Jal Shakti. These reports provide a vital health check on the nation's groundwater resources and address the critical question of water quality.
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Initiative
The JSJB initiative was launched on September 6, 2024, in Surat, Gujarat. It promotes participatory stewardship, guided by a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.
Exam Relevance
This event and the related initiatives are highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. They cover important aspects of GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions) and GS Paper III (Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, and Infrastructure). Understanding these initiatives and their impact is crucial for both Prelims and Mains examinations.
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Government Initiatives: Focus on Jal Jeevan Mission, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, Namami Gange, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
- Water Conservation: Importance of community participation and sustainable water management practices.
- Data and Reports: Awareness of the National Groundwater Resource Assessment and Quality Assessment reports.