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. 23/10/2024 3:30 PM
On October 22, 2024, the President of India, Smt.Droupadi Murmu, will present the 5th National Water Awards 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. These awards honor exceptional contributions to water management and conservation across India.
The National Water Awards (NWA) were established to recognize and promote efforts in water conservation. Organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the awards aim to raise awareness about effective water management practices.
The 5th National Water Awards will celebrate winners in nine categories:
Best State
Best District
Best Village Panchayat
Best Urban Local Body
Best School or College
Best Industry
Best Water User Association
Best Institution (other than school or college)
Best Civil Society
On October 14, 2024, the winners were announced, with Odisha receiving the top prize in the Best State category. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry shared third place. Each winner will receive a citation, trophy, and cash prizes in certain categories.
The National Water Awards aim to create awareness about the importance of water and motivate individuals and organizations to adopt best practices in water usage. This initiative supports the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat,’ meaning a water-rich India.
Launched in 2018, the National Water Awards have been presented annually, except in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each edition builds on previous efforts to promote water conservation and management.
Under the Prime Minister's guidance, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has initiated a comprehensive campaign to raise national awareness about water management. This campaign encourages the public to adopt best practices in water usage.
Water is a vital resource for life, and its effective management is essential for sustainable development. The National Water Awards highlight successful initiatives and encourage others to follow suit, playing a crucial role in fostering a culture of water conservation in India.
The awards inspire communities to engage in water conservation efforts and recognize the hard work of individuals and organizations. By showcasing successful projects, they help spread innovative water management practices across the country.
The Art of Living, led by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, has received recognition in the Best Civil Society category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023. The organization has committed itself to rejuvenating India’s water resources and addressing the water crisis through sustainable solutions.
Through community-driven efforts and effective techniques, The Art of Living focuses on restoring the natural hydrological cycle and improving the health of rivers, lakes, and other water bodies nationwide. Their projects aim to create a 'Water Positive' impact, where the conserved and replenished water exceeds consumption.
As India faces a growing water crisis, recognitions like the National Water Awards serve as essential reminders of the importance of collective efforts in water conservation. The Art of Living’s ongoing projects reflect this need, blending innovative water management practices with community involvement.
Prasana Prabhu, Chairman of The Art of Living Social Projects, recently met with Mrs. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, to discuss enhancing the organization’s efforts in water conservation.
With additional meetings planned with the Ministry of Jal Shakti, The Art of Living aims to expand its projects on a larger scale, ensuring a broader impact across the country. The organization continues to collaborate with various stakeholders to make a significant difference in India’s water resources.
Founded in 1981, The Art of Living is a global non-profit organization dedicated to peace, well-being, and humanitarian service. The organization collaborates with various partners and the Government of India to combat water scarcity through numerous conservation projects, particularly focusing on river rejuvenation to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in the nation.
As the National Water Awards ceremony approaches, the emphasis on water conservation and sustainable practices is more crucial than ever for a water-rich future in India.
