President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the 5th National Water Awards 2023 in New Delhi. The awards were presented to 38 winners in nine categories. This includes Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best Water User Association and Best Civil Society.

Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu said that the government has provided tap water connections to over 78 percent rural households across the country under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The President said, when the Mission was launched in 2019, only 17 per cent rural households have access to safe water.

President Murmu added that due to the Jal Jeevan Mission, there has been significant improvement in the lives of people living in rural areas. She highlighted that the role of state governments is important in water conservation. President Murmu also expressed concern over the depletion of the groundwater situation of the country.

Akashvani’s correspondent reports that in the category of Best State, the first prize has been conferred upon Odisha, and second prize to Uttar Pradesh. Gujarat and Puducherry jointly secured the third position. Each award winners were conferred with a citation and a trophy as well as cash prizes in certain categories.

The National Water Awards focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and organizations across the country in attaining the government’s vision of a Jal Samridh Bharat.

Talking to Akashvani News, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources of Odisha, Anu Garg said, lots of water bodies have been created and water harvesting structures have been setup in the state.

Additional Chief Secretary, Drinking Water, Uttar Pradesh, Anurag Srivastav said, the state government has provided drinking water to 84 per cent of rural household under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

In the best schools category, the Government Upper Primary School in Sikar, Rajasthan received the first prize. Talking to Akashwani News, the Principal of the school Hariram Kulhari said, in the last one year, lots of work has been done regarding water harvesting.