Maharashtra Leads 6th National Water Awards

In a significant step towards promoting sustainable water operation and fetting exemplary sweats in water conservation, the Ministry of Jal Shakti blazoned the winners of the 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024 at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi. The advertisement was made by Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, in the presence of Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, and elderly officers of the ministry, including Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), and Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. 

The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, has conferred awards upon 46 winners, including common winners, across 10 orders for their remarkable benefactions to effective water operation and conservation practices. These orders include Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Stylish Civic Original Body, Best School or College, Stylish Assiduity, Stylish Water Stoner Association, Best Institution (other than academy or council), Stylish Civil Society, and Stylish Individual. 

Among the countries, Maharashtra surfaced as the frontrunner, securing the first position in the Stylish State order for its outstanding achievements in water resource operation, community-grounded conservation programs, and innovative irrigation practices. Gujarat entered the alternate position, while Haryana stood third, feted for their effective programs and large-scale participation in sustainable water enterprise. 

Each award winner will receive a citation, a jewel, and cash prizes in specific orders, acknowledging their devoted efforts towards erecting a water-secure future for India. The award distribution form for the 6th National Water Awards will take place on November 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will be graced by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest, who’ll confer the awards to the winners in the presence of distinguished dignitaries and water sector stakeholders. 

Speaking on the advertisement, Shri C.R. Paatil emphasized that the National Water Awards not only celebrate excellence but also aim to inspire collaborative responsibility among citizens and institutions toward sustainable water operation. He stressed how the awards serve as a platform to celebrate and encourage inventions that contribute to the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water Prosperous India). He further added that as water failure and climate change pose growing challenges, community-driven enterprise and technological interventions have become critical to addressing indifferent access and sustainable operation of water coffers. 

The Ministry of Jal Shakti, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has been leading a comprehensive public crusade to promote mindfulness about water conservation and operation. Through schemes similar to Jal Jeevan Mission, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange, the ministry continues to concentrate on long-term strategies for sustainable water use, groundwater recharge, and pollution control. The National Water Awards form a crucial part of this vision, celebrating individualities, institutions, and associations that contribute meaningfully to these objects. 

The National Water Awards were first launched in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation to recognize and encourage outstanding work in the field of water resource operation. Since their commencement, they’ve served as a platform to celebrate stylish practices and innovative approaches across colorful situations—from pastoral panchayats and educational institutions to diligence and government bodies. The 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th editions of the awards were held in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, independently. The awards weren’t conducted in 2021 due to the COVID-19epidemic. 

For the 2024 edition, the 6th National Water Awards were launched on October 23, 2024, through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The action entered an inviting response, with an aggregate of 751 operations submitted from across the country. These operations were strictly scanned and estimated by a jury committee, which shortlisted campaigners based on their innovative practices, community impact, and sustainability of issues. 

To ensure authenticity and on-the-ground verification, the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) conducted a detailed ground-truthing process of the shortlisted entries. Grounded on the comprehensive evaluation and verification, 46 winners, including common winners, were selected across the ten award orders. 

The awards aim to raise mindfulness among citizens about the significance of water as a vital resource, promoting the relinquishment of effective operation practices and conservation ways. By fostering grassroots enterprise and replicable models, the program motivates individualities, original bodies, diligence, and institutions to contribute laboriously toward water sustainability. 

The National Water Awards have played a vital part in relating and promoting innovative results similar to rainwater harvesting systems, groundwater recharge systems, water-effective agrarian practices, civic wastewater operation models, and educational programs that engage communities in water stewardship. They also foster collaboration between government departments, diligence, NGOs, and original governance bodies, thereby strengthening the overall frame for water conservation in India. 

As the 6th National Water Awards 2024 move toward their grand felicitation form, the action continues to accentuate India’s strong commitment to indifferent and sustainable water operation. The recognition of sweats across different sectors—from grassroots associations and academic institutions to state governments—reflects the nation’s collaborative fidelity to securing its water coffers for unborn generations. 

With the Hon’ble President of India set to recognize the winners at Vigyan Bhawan, the event will stand as a festivity of invention, commitment, and community participation in the field of water operation. It’ll also serve as a memorial that sustainable water governance isn’t simply a governmental ideal but a participated public responsibility. 

Through these awards, the Ministry of Jal Shakti continues to inspire the nation to borrow the principle of “Per Drop, More Crop” and to treat water not just as a mileage, but as a precious and finite natural asset vital for India’s growth, sustainability, and unborn substance.