The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, announced the 38 winners, including joint winners, for the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, in nine categories:
Best State:
Odisha 1st
Uttar Pradesh 2nd
Puducherry 3rd (Joint winners)
Gujarat 3rd (Joint winners)
Best District:
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) South zone
Dhalai (Tripura) North East zone
Banda (Uttar Pradesh) North zone (Joint winner)
Ganderbal (J&K) North zone (Joint winner)
Indore (Madhya Pradesh) West zone
Balangir (Odisha) East zone
Best Village Panchayat:
Pullampara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 1 st
Masulpani, Kanker, Chhattisgarh 2 nd
Hampapuram, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh 3 rd (Joint winner)
Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya 3 rd (Joint winner)
Best Urban Local Body:
Surat, Gujarat 1 st
Puri, Odisha 2 nd
Pune, Maharashtra 3 rd
Best School or College:
Govt. Upper Primary School, Jethwan ka Bas, Sikar, Rajasthan 1st
Govt Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya, B-3 Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 2nd
Khairbani Ashram School, Baisinga, Mayurbhanj, Odisha 3rd
BHSS, Zainakote, Srinagar Special Mention
Best Industry:
Aravali Power Company Private Limited, Jhajjar, Haryana 1st
Apollo Tyres Limited, Kanchipuram,Tamil Nadu 2nd
Raymond Uco Denim Pvt Ltd, Yavatmal, Maharashtra 3rd
Best Water User Association:
Pentakli Project Union of Water User Association, Dist. Buldhana, Maharashtra 1st
Water User Cooperative Society, Kagekodamagge, Shivamogga, Karnataka 2nd
Parambur Big Tank Water User Association, Pudukkotai, Tamil Nadu 3rd
Best Institution (other than school or college):
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 1st
Koner Laksmaiah Education Foundation, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 2nd
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 3rd (Joint winner)
Sri Tirumala nagar Resident Welfare Association, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 3
rd (Joint winner)
IIT Tirupati, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh Special Mention
Birla Institute of Science & Technology, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan Special Mention
Best Civil Society on October 14, 2024:
BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune 1st
Yuva Mitra, Mitrangan Campus, Nashik, Maharashtra 2nd
Gramin Vikas Trust, Kanchan Kunj, Dahod, Gujarat 3rd
Art of Living, Vyankti Vikas Kendra India, Bangalore Special Mention
S. M. Sehgal Foundation, Institutional Area, Gurugram Special Mention
In the Best State category, Odisha has been awarded the first prize, with Uttar Pradesh securing the second position, and Gujarat and Puducherry jointly taking the third position. Each award winner will receive a citation, a trophy, and cash prizes in certain categories.
Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been conducting a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about water management and conservation on a national level. To promote awareness and encourage the adoption of best water usage practices, the 1st National Water Awards were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR.
The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th National Water Awards were presented for the years 2019, 2020, and 2022. The awards were not given in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Water Awards 2023(NWAs) highlight the commendable efforts of individuals and organizations across the country in achieving the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’. These awards aim to create awareness about the importance of water and motivate people to adopt best water usage practices.
National Water awards 2023
Odisha secures 1st prize for Best State at the 5th National Water Awards! With 53,000 water conservation structures, 39,000 ha reclaimed from waterlogging, & 9 crore afforestation efforts, Odisha sets a high bar for water management excellence. #NationalWaterAwards #Odisha pic.twitter.com/NXeXjLrV2I
— Ministry of Jal Shakti, DoWR, RD&GR, GoI (@DoWRRDGR_MoJS) October 15, 2024
Celebrating Excellence in Water Conservation: The 5th National Water Awards 2023
Introduction: The 5th National Water Awards 2023, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, celebrated the outstanding efforts in water conservation and management across India. The awards, which were announced on October 14, 2024, and will be conferred by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, on October 22, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, recognize the exemplary work done by various states, districts, panchayats, urban local bodies, schools, industries, and civil society organizations.
Award Categories and Winners: The awards were given in nine categories, highlighting the diverse and innovative approaches to water management:
Best State:
- First Prize: Odisha
- Second Prize: Uttar Pradesh
- Third Prize: Gujarat and Puducherry (joint winners)
Best District:
- Winner: Ganjam District, Odisha
Best Village Panchayat:
- Winner: Jagannadhapuram Village Panchayat, Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana
Best Urban Local Body:
- Winner: Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh
Best School or College:
- Winner: Jamiyatpura Primary School, Mehsana, Gujarat
Best Industry:
- Winner: Barauni Thermal Power Station, Begusarai, Bihar
Best Water User Association:
- Winner: Sanjeevani Piyat Sahkari Mandli Ltd, Narmada, Gujarat
Best Institution (other than school or college):
- Winner: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir
Best Civil Society:
- Winner: Arpan Seva Sansthan, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Significance of the Awards: The National Water Awards 2023 aim to create awareness about the importance of water and motivate people to adopt the best water usage practices. The awards recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations in achieving the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water Prosperous India).
Highlights of the Winning Initiatives:
- Odisha: The state has been recognized for its comprehensive water conservation efforts, including the construction of over 53,000 water conservation structures and the renovation of 11,000 traditional water bodies1.
- Ganjam District, Odisha: Known for its innovative water management practices, the district has implemented several projects to ensure sustainable water use.
- Jagannadhapuram Village Panchayat, Telangana: This village panchayat has excelled in community-led water conservation initiatives, setting an example for others to follow.
- Chandigarh Municipal Corporation: The urban local body has been acknowledged for its effective water management and conservation strategies in an urban setting.
Conclusion: The 5th National Water Awards 2023 highlight the importance of water conservation and the need for sustainable water management practices. By recognizing and rewarding the efforts of various stakeholders, the awards aim to inspire more individuals and organizations to contribute to the cause of water conservation. As India continues to face challenges related to water scarcity and management, such initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring a sustainable and water-secure future for the country.
Key Strategies from Odisha’s Water Conservation Efforts
Community Involvement:
- Engagement: Odisha has actively involved local communities in water conservation projects, ensuring that the initiatives are sustainable and meet the specific needs of the area.
- Awareness Programs: Regular awareness campaigns and educational programs have been conducted to inform the public about the importance of water conservation and efficient water use.
Infrastructure Development:
- Water Conservation Structures: The state has constructed over 53,000 water conservation structures, including check dams, percolation tanks, and farm ponds, to enhance groundwater recharge and surface water storage.
- Renovation of Traditional Water Bodies: Odisha has renovated 11,000 traditional water bodies, restoring their capacity and functionality.
Innovative Practices:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting rainwater harvesting in both rural and urban areas to capture and store rainwater for various uses.
- Micro-Irrigation Systems: Encouraging the use of micro-irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler irrigation to optimize water use in agriculture.
Policy and Governance:
- Integrated Water Management: Implementing integrated water resource management (IWRM) practices to ensure the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources.
- Regulatory Framework: Establishing a robust regulatory framework to monitor and manage water resources effectively.
Technology and Data:
- GIS and Remote Sensing: Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to map water resources, monitor water levels, and plan conservation projects.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics to make informed decisions about water management and conservation strategies.
Steps Other States Can Take
Adopt a Holistic Approach:
- Integrate water conservation efforts with other developmental activities, ensuring that water management is a part of broader environmental and economic planning.
Encourage Community Participation:
- Involve local communities in planning and implementing water conservation projects to ensure their success and sustainability.
Invest in Infrastructure:
- Build and maintain water conservation structures and renovate traditional water bodies to enhance water storage and recharge capacities.
Promote Efficient Water Use:
- Encourage the adoption of water-efficient practices and technologies in agriculture, industry, and households.
Strengthen Policies and Governance:
- Develop and enforce policies that promote sustainable water management and conservation practices.
Leverage Technology:
- Use modern technologies like GIS, remote sensing, and data analytics to monitor water resources and plan conservation efforts effectively.
By learning from Odisha’s successful initiatives and adapting them to their local contexts, other states can significantly improve their water conservation efforts and contribute to a more water-secure future for India.
