National Water Awards 2024: Rs. 2 Lakh Cash Prize for Top Contributors in Water Conservation; Apply Before December 31

The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, under India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, has officially launched the 6th National Water Awards (NWA) 2024. Applications will be accepted exclusively through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal (www.awards.gov.in). Details are also available on the Department's website (www.jalshakti-dowr.gov.in), with a submission deadline set for December 31, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants

These awards are open to a wide range of entities, including States, Districts, Village Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, schools, colleges, other institutions, industries, civil society groups, and Water User Associations, recognizing those who have demonstrated excellence in water conservation and management.

Award Structure: Trophies, Citations, and Cash Prizes

The awards are divided into various categories. Top achievers in the ‘Best State’ and ‘Best District’ categories will receive a trophy and citation, while winners in other categories, such as ‘Best Village Panchayat,’ ‘Best Urban Local Body,’ ‘Best School/College,’ and others, will receive cash prizes alongside a trophy and citation. The prize structure includes awards of Rs. 2 lakhs, Rs. 1.5 lakhs, and Rs. 1 lakh for first, second, and third places respectively.

National Water Awards 2024: Selection Process

Applications will undergo initial screening by the DoWR, RD & GR Screening Committee. A Jury Committee, led by a retired Secretary-level officer, will evaluate shortlisted applications, followed by on-ground verification by agencies like the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The final recommendations are then submitted to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti for approval. Award winners are later honored in a ceremony led by either the Hon’ble President or the Vice President of India.

Award Categories and Prizes

The awards span several categories:

• Best State: Trophy and citation for three states.

• Best District: Trophy and citation awarded across five zones – Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern, and North Eastern.

• Other Categories: Cash awards and citations in various categories, including ‘Best Village Panchayat,’ ‘Best Urban Local Body,’ ‘Best Institution,’ and more.

Winners in categories like ‘Best Village Panchayat,’ ‘Best Urban Local Body,’ ‘Best School/College,’ and others will be awarded cash prizes alongside trophies and citations. The prize structure includes Rs. 2 lakhs for first place, Rs. 1.5 lakhs for second place, and Rs. 1 lakh for third place in each category. These cash incentives, combined with the awards' prestige, aim to motivate participants to adopt effective water conservation practices, promoting sustainable water resource management across India.