6th National Water Awards

Context:

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 6th National Water Awards and emphasized the urgent need for innovation in agricultural water use, since 80% of India’s water resources are consumed by agriculture. She highlighted climate change, limited water availability, and the national need for efficient water management.

UPSC Relevance:

Water Conservation

UPSC PYQ:

Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020)

Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)

National Water Awards: Celebrating India’s Champions of Conservation

Water has always been central to India’s heritage, prosperity, and progress. In charting a sustainable and resilient future, the nation recognizes that valuing and revitalizing its water resources is more crucial than ever. Guided by this vision, India has embraced a collective endeavour, uniting citizens, communities, and institutions in a shared commitment to wise and innovative water use. Recognizing the need to celebrate and encourage exemplary work in water management, the National Water Awards were introduced in 2018.

• The National Water Awards (NWA) shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations that help in bringing the nation closer to the vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’, a water-secure and water-enriched India. 
• The 6th National Water Awards honored 46 winners across 10 categories for inspiring innovation and community-driven water conservation.

Note: Maharashtra secured the first rank under the Best State category, followed by Gujarat in second place and Haryana in third.

Shaping India’s Water Secure Future:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain: The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) is a nationwide water-conservation initiative launched in 2021 by the Prime Minister with the slogan “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls.” The campaign emphasizes rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management through activities such as de-silting water bodies, afforestation, and constructing check dams and water-harvesting pits.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: Launched in 2019, it is a community-led, participatory ground-water management scheme operating in 8,203 water-stressed Gram Panchayats across 7 states. Under this scheme, Around 81,000 supply-side structures have been constructed or renovated for water conservation and groundwater recharge with around 9 lakh hectares brought under efficient water-use practices.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: This is a scheme aimed at improving water-use efficiency in agriculture to ensure reliable irrigation and boost crop productivity. With the vision of “Har Khet Ko Pani” and “More Crop Per Drop,” it seeks to expand irrigation coverage, promote micro-irrigation, and ensure integrated management of water sources, distribution, and use.
• AMRUT 2.0: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is an  initiative aimed to make cities self-reliant and water-secure by providing universal tap-water coverage in all statutory towns and full sewerage, septage management in 500 AMRUT cities. A total of 3,568 water-supply projects worth ₹1,14,220.62 crore have been approved, along with 181 lakh new tap connections sanctioned under this mission.
• Jal Jeevan Mission: Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water to every rural household. Since then, 12.50 crore households have been provided new water connections, making it one of the fastest rural infrastructure expansions in the country. It promotes groundwater recharge, greywater management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.