President Murmu emphasised that India's water resources are under growing stress due to rising demand and climate change.
President Murmu Highlights Urgent Need for Collective Water Action at National Water Awards
President Droupadi Murmu urged citizens, institutions, and governments to treat water as a “sacred and finite national resource” while presenting the “6th National Water Awards” and the “Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards” at a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday. Her remarks were reported by “The Tribune* and formally detailed in a statement that was issued by the “Press Information Bureau (PIB)”.
President Murmu emphasised that India’s water resources are under growing stress due to rising demand and climate change. Citing the Rig Veda, she reminded us that ancient Indian traditions viewed water as a source of immortality, underscoring its cultural and ecological significance. According to the PIB note, she highlighted that per capita water availability has become a major national concern and called for collective action across all levels of society.
The President applauded the achievements under the “Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari initiative”. She noted that more than 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have been constructed since its launch last year. She also acknowledged industries that have adopted circular water systems, including water treatment, recirculation, and zero-liquid-discharge models — measures she described as crucial for long-term conservation.
Murmu also cited transformative progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating, as per The Tribune, that tap water access in rural households has risen from less than 17% in 2019 to 81% today and has eased the daily burden previously faced by women and girls.
Awards and Key Winners
A total of 46 winners across 10 categories were honoured this year. According to PIB Delhi, Maharashtra won the Best State award, followed by Gujarat and Haryana. Five districts—Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Khargone (Madhya Pradesh), Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh), Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) and Sepahijala (Tripura)—secured top ranks in their respective zones.
Other top awardees included Navi Mumbai as Best Urban Local Body; IIT Gandhinagar and ICAR–CCARI Goa in the institutional category; Apollo Tyres, Kanchipuram, as Best Industry; and several village panchayats, schools, Water User Associations, and civil society groups recognised for exemplary work.
President Murmu concluded by urging “lifelong water stewardship”, stating that sustainable management is only possible through the “collective participation of individuals, families, society, and the government”.
