Water is one of the most vital components of life and the foundation of sustainable development. Recognising the need for scientific, efficient, and participatory management of water resources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti is organising the 7th National Water Awards (2025) to recognise individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence in water conservation, augmentation, management, and awareness. The awards encourage innovative practices such as rainwater harvesting, artificial groundwater recharge, water-use efficiency, and recycling.
Pir Rayees Ahmad
Water is one of the most vital components of life and the foundation of sustainable development. However, rapid growth in irrigation, urbanisation and industrialisation has placed enormous pressure on the country’s water resources. Increasing water demand, groundwater stress and changing rainfall patterns associated with climate change have further intensified concerns over water availability and sustainability. Recognising the need for scientific, efficient and participatory management of water resources, the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, is organising the 7th National Water Awards (2025) to recognise individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence and dedication in the field of water conservation, augmentation, management and awareness.
A Platform for Recognising Water Conservation Efforts
The initiative traces its origins to the Ground Water Augmentation Awards and National Water Awards, launched in 2007 to encourage stakeholders to adopt innovative practices such as rainwater harvesting and artificial groundwater recharge. The awards also promote water-use efficiency, recycling and reuse of water, capacity building and people’s participation in water conservation. Since groundwater and surface water are integral parts of the same hydrological cycle, the government subsequently adopted a unified approach through the National Water Awards, encouraging a holistic approach to water-resource conservation and management. The 1st National Water Awards in 2018, followed by the 2nd in 2019, 3rd in 2020, 4th in 2022, 5th in 2023 and 6th in 2024, have recognised exemplary contributions from different parts of the country.
The awards have also brought national recognition to noteworthy initiatives from Jammu and Kashmir. Zainakot Government Higher Secondary Institute has won the National Water Award on two occasions, while the District Administration Ganderbal and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, have each received the award once. These achievements demonstrate that effective water-conservation initiatives at the local and institutional level can gain national recognition and provide models for replication elsewhere.
Who Can Nominate?
The National Water Awards provide a broad platform for recognising contributions from government institutions, local bodies, educational and research institutions, community organisations and other stakeholders working in the field of water conservation and management. As per the National Water Awards portal, nominations can be made by the Secretary/Principal Secretary of the concerned State Department, District Collector/District Magistrate or Head of Body. Eligible individuals and organisations can be considered for recognition under the appropriate categories. The organisation categories include State/UT Government, Ministry/Department, State/UT Police, District, Industrial Training Institutes, Entrepreneurship Institutes, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayats, NGOs, Societies, Self-Help Groups, Schools/Colleges, Research Institutes, Polytechnics, Universities, Higher Education Institutions, Religious Organisations, Scientific Organisations, Industries, Water User Associations, Trusts, Companies and other institutions.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the awards provide an important opportunity to showcase successful initiatives in areas such as spring rejuvenation, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting, restoration of traditional water bodies, watershed management, efficient irrigation, wastewater reuse and community-based water conservation. Therefore, deserving individuals, institutions and organisations engaged in noteworthy work in the water sector should bring their achievements to the notice of the concerned competent authority/nominator for consideration and nomination.
Transparent Selection Process
Applications received for the 7th National Water Awards are scrutinised by a Screening Committee of the Department. The shortlisted applications are then placed before a Jury Committee constituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The work of shortlisted applicants is further evaluated through Ground Truthing (GT) teams nominated by the Ministry. The Ground Truthing teams ensure that the work undertaken during the last calendar year is considered for evaluation. No award is conferred except on the recommendation of the Jury Committee. Its recommendations are submitted to the Hon’ble Minister of Jal Shakti for approval, following which the names of the winners are announced on a suitable date. Applications for the awards can be submitted only through online mode on the National Awards Portal, www.awards.gov.in, in the prescribed format for the respective category. The formats are available in Annexure-I of the Guidelines.
Nominations Open Till August 28, 2026
The last date for submission of nominations for the 7th National Water Awards is August 28, 2026. Individuals, institutions, communities and organisations that have undertaken significant or innovative work in water conservation and management are encouraged to come forward and bring their achievements to the notice of the competent authority for nomination. Across the country, numerous initiatives involving rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, revival of traditional water bodies, efficient irrigation, wastewater treatment and reuse, and public awareness are being implemented, often with limited visibility beyond their local areas. The National Water Awards provide an opportunity to bring such initiatives to the national platform and encourage their replication in other regions.
At a time when climate variability and increasing water demand are placing growing pressure on water resources, recognition of successful local efforts can play an important role in motivating communities and institutions. Water conservation cannot be the responsibility of a single department; it requires the collective participation of governments, local bodies, educational institutions, farmers, industries, researchers, civil society and citizens. The 7th National Water Awards therefore offer more than recognition; they provide an opportunity to bring the efforts of individuals, institutions and communities working quietly for water conservation into the national spotlight. A school that has transformed its campus through rainwater harvesting, a village that has revived a dying water body, an institution that has recharged groundwater, a farmer who has adopted efficient irrigation, or a community that has successfully rejuvenated its springs, such efforts deserve to be recognised and shared.
Perhaps there is a water conservation story in your village, institution, department or community that deserves to be heard across the country. Perhaps the work you consider a small local effort is, in fact, an example that others can learn from. The question is not whether such work exists, but whether we are willing to come forward and tell the story. With August 28, 2026 as the last date for nominations, this is the time to look around and identify the people and institutions making a difference in the water sector. Do not let a deserving effort remain unnoticed. Bring it forward, get it nominated, and give it the recognition it deserves. Let a local success story become a national example. Because every drop conserved is a contribution to the nation’s future, and every person or institution leading that effort deserves to be recognised.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/55vbanbb
