In News:

The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22nd 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Organizing Body:

• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Department: Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR)
• Purpose: To recognize and honor individuals, organizations, and bodies that have made significant contributions to water conservation and management.

Award Categories

1. Best State
2. Best District
3. Best Village Panchayat
4. Best Urban Local Body
5. Best School or College
6. Best Industry
7. Best Water User Association
8. Best Institution (other than school or college)
9. Best Civil Society Organization

Winners

• Best State:
  • 1st Prize: Odisha
  • 2nd Prize: Uttar Pradesh
  • 3rd Prize (joint): Gujarat & Puducherry
  • Other Awards: Winners in the remaining categories have been recognized, with citations, trophies, and cash prizes provided in certain categories.

Objectives of the National Water Awards

• Promote Water Conservation: Raise awareness about the importance of water and encourage effective water usage practices.
• Recognize Efforts: Celebrate the work of individuals, institutions, and organizations contributing to the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water-rich India).
• National Campaign: Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been working to spread awareness on water management and conservation through extensive national campaigns.

History and Background

• The National Water Awards (NWAs) were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR to foster awareness and action on water-related issues.
• Awards were given for 2019, 2020, and 2022, but there were no awards in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The awards aim to inspire best practices in water usage, conservation, and management across India, involving government bodies, industries, communities, and civil society.

Significance

• The National Water Awards serve as a platform to recognize the innovative initiatives taken by various stakeholders in addressing water challenges.

The awards contribute to furthering the government’s mission of achieving sustainable water management practices across the nation.