National Water Awards Winners 2025 highlight India’s major water conservation achievements, groundwater recharge progress, and award-winning states, districts, institutions, and individuals. Perfect for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and PCS exam preparation.
President Murmu Presents 6th National Water Awards to Boost India’s Water Conservation Efforts
On 18 November 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the 6th National Water Awards and the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Awards at a ceremony in New Delhi, recognizing exemplary contributions in water conservation and sustainable water management.
India’s Deep Cultural Bond with Water
In her address, President Murmu stressed how water is deeply woven into India’s cultural and spiritual fabric. She referenced the first line of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s nationalist song, where the word “Sujalam” (“abundantly watered”) evokes reverence for water.
According to her, this cultural heritage underscores that water is not only a resource but also a symbol of life and spirituality — something to be honored and protected.
Confronting Water Scarcity Amid Climate Challenges
President Murmu raised a serious warning about the twin pressures of population growth and climate change on India’s water resources.
She noted that per-capita water availability is shrinking, and climate disruption is making natural cycles more erratic. To counter these challenges, she urged both the government and citizens to take coordinated, committed action for sustainable water use.
Major Milestones in Groundwater Recharge
A key achievement celebrated at the event was the construction of over 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures under the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative.
These structures — built largely through community participation — are critical for artificial groundwater recharge, addressing the problem of declining water tables in many parts of India.
Industrial Innovation: Circular Water Economy
During the ceremony, the President applauded industries that have adopted forward-thinking water-management practices. Several awardees have implemented circular water economy systems, where water is reused, recycled, and treated — with some even achieving zero-liquid discharge.
This shows that technological innovation and responsible industrial practices can significantly support water sustainability.
Shared Responsibility: From Government to Citizens
President Murmu made a strong call for collective responsibility across all levels — from central and state governments to local bodies, institutions, NGOs, and individual citizens.
She emphasized that everyday water use, especially by farmers, students, and urban households, must align with the goal of preserving water as a precious resource.
Respecting Water as a Sacred Resource
Beyond conservation, the President urged people to treat water with respect and reverence. She highlighted the ethos of tribal communities, who often hold nature in deep regard, and challenged all Indians to adopt similar mindfulness in their water usage.
In her view, a shift in cultural attitude — recognizing water as more than a utility — is fundamental to sustaining long-term water security.
Overview of the Awards
The National Water Awards are designed to raise awareness, encourage innovative practices, and reward sustainable water use.
Specifically, the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Awards spotlight community-led models for groundwater recharge, resource convergence, and scalable solutions.
Who Won: Highlights of the 6th Edition
- Best State: Maharashtra (1st), Gujarat (2nd), Haryana (3rd)
- Best Districts (by zone):
- East: Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh)
- West: Khargone (Madhya Pradesh)
- South: Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu)
- North: Mirzapur (Uttar Pradesh)
- North-East: Sepahijala (Tripura)
- Best Urban Local Body: Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), followed by Bhavnagar (Gujarat), and a tie between Agra (UP) & Nabadiganta Industrial Township (West Bengal)
- Institutions (Inside Campus): IIT-Gandhinagar (Gujarat), ICAR Central Coastal Agri Research Institute (Goa)
- Institutions (Outside Campus): CCS Haryana Agricultural University (Haryana), Regional Chief Conservator of Forests – Berhampur (Odisha)
- Water User Association: Vettaikaranpudur Canal Odayakulam Village WUA (Tamil Nadu)
- Civil Society: Banaskantha District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd. (Gujarat), Ambuja Foundation (Rajasthan), Art of Living (Karnataka)
- Village Panchayats: Dubbiganipalli (Andhra Pradesh), Payam (Kerala), Kaweshwar (MP), among others
- School / College: Krishna Public School, Raipur (Chhattisgarh); Army Public School, Kolkata (West Bengal)
- Industry: Apollo Tyres Ltd (Tamil Nadu), Hero MotoCorp (Haryana), Jhajjar Power Ltd (Haryana)
- Individuals for Excellence:
- East: Shri Kishore Jaiswal (Bihar)
- West: Shri Bajrang Lal Jaithu (Rajasthan)
- North: Shri Mohan Chandra Kandpal (Uttarakhand)
- South: Shri Podili Rajasekhara Raju (Andhra Pradesh)
Why This News Is Important
Promoting Water Security at a National Level
This event highlights India’s urgent focus on water security, a critical issue for government exam aspirants because water management is prominently featured in current affairs, environmental policy, and national infrastructure debates.
Recognizing Community Participation
By awarding community-driven water recharge projects, the government underscores the role of citizens, farmers, and local bodies in sustainable development. This is especially important for civil service or police aspirants who may engage with grassroots-level governance.
Encouraging Sustainable Industrial Practices
The awards recognize industries that have adopted circular water economy models and zero-liquid discharge systems, showing how businesses are aligning with national sustainability goals. For banking or railway exams, where financing or infrastructure development is discussed, this is a relevant case of public-private synergy.
Linking to Climate Change Policy
Given the President’s remarks on climate change, the news ties into broader themes of climate resilience, resource scarcity, and adaptation strategies, all of which are frequently tested in civil service and government exams.
Benchmark for State & Local Governance
The list of winners across states, districts, panchayats, and institutions provides a clear benchmark for successful water governance. Aspirants for PSCS, IAS, or state-level administrative posts should note these examples to understand what the government values in public administration.
Historical Context of National Water Awards
The National Water Awards were instituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognize and incentivize effective water management practices across India.
Launched in 2018, these awards aim to foster innovation, community involvement, and efficient use of water resources by honoring individuals, institutions, and local bodies.
Over the years, the awards have served as a platform to promote the Jal Samridh Bharat vision — a water-rich, sustainably managed India. This year’s sixth edition adds weight to the initiative, especially as the JSJB program gains traction, with millions of groundwater recharge structures being built.
Key Takeaways from This News
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The 6th National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Awards were conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on 18 Nov 2025. |
| 2 | Over 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have been constructed under the JSJB initiative. |
| 3 | Maharashtra won the “Best State” award; Gujarat was second, Haryana third. |
| 4 | Awards were given across 10 categories: state, district, ULB, panchayat, institution, school, industry, WUA, civil society, and individual excellence. |
| 5 | President Murmu emphasized that water conservation requires collective action — from governments, communities, industries, and citizens — and called for respect and mindful usage. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the National Water Awards?
The National Water Awards are annual awards presented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognize excellence and innovation in water conservation, management, and sustainable practices across India. They honor individuals, institutions, local bodies, and industries contributing significantly to water resource management.
2. Who presented the 6th National Water Awards?
The 6th National Water Awards were presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, at an official ceremony in New Delhi.
3. What is the primary objective of these awards?
The objective is to promote awareness, encourage community participation, reward innovation, and motivate states, districts, panchayats, schools, industries, and NGOs to adopt sustainable water management practices.
4. Which state won the Best State Award this year?
Maharashtra won the Best State award in the 6th National Water Awards, followed by Gujarat and Haryana.
5. What is the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari initiative?
It is a national initiative focusing on community-led water conservation activities. Over 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have been built under this program.
6. Why did the President emphasize climate change in her speech?
She highlighted that climate change and population growth are depleting water resources, stressing the need for conscious water use and sustainable recharge efforts.
7. Which sectors were recognized under the awards?
Awards were given across 10 sectors including states, districts, urban local bodies, panchayats, schools, colleges, industries, civil society organizations, and individual water champions.
8. How do these awards benefit students preparing for government exams?
This topic is relevant for Environment, Polity, Governance, Climate Change, Sustainability, Rural Development, and Government Schemes sections in UPSC, PCS, SSC, Banking, Defence, and Teaching exams.
9. What is the circular water economy highlighted in the awards?
It refers to industrial systems where water is reused, treated, and recycled with minimum wastage, with some industries achieving zero-liquid discharge.
10. Which districts won in different zones?
Rajnandgaon (East), Khargone (West), Tirunelveli (South), Mirzapur (North), and Sepahijala (North-East) were awarded as best districts.
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