Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has achieved national acclaim in the Sixth National Water Awards 2024, announced by the Central Government. Mirzapur has been recognized as the Best District in the Northern Zone, while the Agra Municipal Corporation secured joint third place in the Best Urban Local Body (ULB) category. These accolades reflect the success of the state government’s flagship water conservation programs under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the vision of “Har Ghar Nal, Har Khet Ko Pani.”
Mirzapur Emerges as a Model for Rural Water Conservation
Under CM Yogi’s leadership, Mirzapur has effectively implemented initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana. Key measures include:
- Revival and maintenance of reservoirs
- Construction of drainage systems
- Expansion of irrigation facilities in rural areas
Active involvement of panchayats and local youth has further strengthened these programs, with several villages reporting significant rises in groundwater levels through rainwater harvesting and pond rejuvenation projects.
Agra Sets Benchmark in Urban Water Management
The Agra Municipal Corporation has also earned recognition for its innovative approach to urban water conservation:
- Recycling treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for parks and industries
- Implementing leakage tracking systems and smart metering to reduce water wastage
- Expanding household water supply under the Har Ghar Nal Yojana
These initiatives have positioned Agra as a leading urban body in water management, with best practices that other cities can replicate.
Statewide Water Conservation Gains Momentum
Over the past eight and a half years, CM Yogi’s government has turned water conservation into a people’s movement. Regular monitoring of programs such as Har Ghar Jal, Har Khet Ko Pani, and the Atal Bhujal Yojana has ensured consistent progress. Efforts include:
- Reviving reservoirs and hand pumps
- Expanding clean tap water access in all 75 districts
- Piloting villages in every district for 24-hour clean drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission
- River rejuvenation projects across the state
CM Yogi emphasizes that “every drop of water counts,” and this commitment is now being recognized at the national level.
National Recognition and Awards Ceremony
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil announced the winners in New Delhi on Tuesday. Out of 751 applications across India, 46 winners were selected, with Uttar Pradesh standing out for its innovative policies, effective implementation, and active public participation. The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.
Uttar Pradesh’s recognition in the Sixth National Water Awards underscores the success of CM Yogi’s proactive policies, the importance of community participation, and the state’s commitment to sustainable water management practices that can serve as a model for the entire nation.
