The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the fifth National Water Awards at a ceremony in New Delhi today.
In her address, the President underscored the fundamental importance of water as a basic necessity and a fundamental human right. She emphasized that access to clean water is crucial to building a clean and prosperous society. The lack of water and poor sanitation disproportionately affect the health, food security, and livelihoods of underprivileged communities.
The President highlighted the urgency of water conservation, noting that despite the limited availability of freshwater on Earth, human activity continues to degrade and deplete these resources. She commended the Government of India for its efforts in promoting water conservation and water harvesting initiatives.
Smt. Murmu reflected on India’s historical water conservation practices, recalling how ancestors built ponds and reservoirs to address water shortages. However, she expressed concern that these traditional practices are being forgotten, and some reservoirs have been encroached upon, leading to water shortages during droughts and flood-like situations during excessive rainfall.
The President stressed that water conservation is a collective responsibility and urged active participation from all citizens. She encouraged simple actions such as turning off taps, preventing water overflow from tanks, and installing rainwater harvesting systems at home. She also called for community efforts to restore traditional water bodies.
The National Water Awards, she said, serve as a commendable initiative to promote water conservation efforts. She expressed confidence that the awardees’ “Best Practices” would inspire others and help spread awareness of sustainable water management.
The fifth National Water Awards were presented in nine categories, including 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), and Best Civil Society.
The awards aim to raise public awareness about the importance of water and encourage the adoption of best water usage practices.
