Odisha’s Ganjam Wins Best District Award in 4th National Water Awards

New Delhi: Ganjam district in Odisha has been recognized as the Best District in the 4th National Water Awards, highlighting its exceptional efforts in water resource management. Additionally, Odisha secured second position among all states, showcasing its commitment to water conservation. Madhya Pradesh was honoured with the Best State award, while Andhra Pradesh and Bihar jointly secured the third position.

The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, will present the awards on June 17, 2023, at a ceremony organized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) in New Delhi.

The National Water Awards, part of the government’s initiative for a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ or ‘Water Prosperous India,’ aim to recognize and encourage individuals and organizations making significant contributions to water management. By creating awareness about the importance of water and promoting best practices, these awards seek to strengthen public participation in water resource conservation and management activities. The event serves as a platform for forging partnerships and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Jal Shakti launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about water management and conservation nationwide. To promote a holistic approach to water resource management, the National Water Awards were established in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards were not presented in 2021. However, the 4th National Water Awards were launched in 2022, receiving 868 applications. After careful evaluation and ground truthing by the Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board, 41 winners were selected across 11 categories.

The National Water Awards play a vital role in fostering sustainable water management practices and reinforcing the government’s vision of a water-abundant nation. The recognition and encouragement provided by these awards inspire individuals and organizations to continue their dedicated efforts in conserving and managing water resources effectively.