President Murmu Presents National Water Awards, Stresses Collective Water Action

A key highlight of the President’s address was her appreciation of the progress under the Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, launched just the previous year.

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, while presenting the sixth National Water Awards and the Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Awards in New Delhi on November 18, 2025, reminded the nation that the very evolution of human civilization is inseparable from water. Settlements across the world—river valleys, coastal belts, and regions abundant in natural water sources—form the earliest chapters of human development.

She recalled that India’s cultural memory reveres water, evident in our literature and collective consciousness. Pointing to the national song penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the President emphasized that the very first word, “Sujalam,” meaning blessed with abundant water, captures India’s traditional respect for water and the recognition of its centrality to life and prosperity.

Water Efficiency as a National and Global Mandate

President Murmu stressed that efficient water use has become a global necessity, but for India—a country with 18% of the world’s population and only 4% of its water resources—it is an existential imperative. Rapid urbanization, agricultural pressure, and industrialization have placed immense strain on the country’s water systems. She observed that per capita water availability has emerged as one of the most pressing national challenges.

Compounding this stress, climate change is altering India’s hydrological cycles. Erratic rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures, and shifting monsoon dynamics demand that both government and society transform their approach to water governance. She called for collective responsibility, with a shared determination to secure water availability and ensure long-term water security for future generations.

Groundwater Recharge Under Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari Shows Large-Scale Progress

A key highlight of the President’s address was her appreciation of the progress under the Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative, launched just the previous year. She noted with satisfaction that more than 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have already been created across India.

These decentralized, community-driven interventions are rapidly establishing India’s largest movement for artificial groundwater recharge, showcasing models that are scalable, innovative, and replicable across diverse terrains and climatic zones.

Industry’s Role in Circular Water Economy

Turning to industrial participation, President Murmu praised the sectors that have embraced circular water economy practices, including water recycling, reuse, and treatment systems. She noted that many industrial units have already achieved zero liquid discharge, demonstrating environmental responsibility and efficient resource utilization.

She underlined that industrial innovation is vital to easing pressure on freshwater sources. The transition toward sustainable water-centric production systems reinforces the larger national vision for responsible consumption and climate resilience.

Multi-Level Governance and Community Engagement as Pillars of Effective Water Management

The President emphasized that water conservation must be prioritized across all levels of governance, from the central and state governments to district administrations, panchayats, and urban local bodies. She highlighted the encouraging role played by schools, universities, NGOs, and citizen groups in raising awareness, mobilizing participation, and driving hyperlocal water initiatives.

Farmers and entrepreneurs were encouraged to adopt technologies that deliver maximum output with minimal water consumption, such as micro-irrigation, smart agriculture, soil-moisture monitoring systems, and water-efficient crop planning.

At the core of her message was the belief that responsible individual behavior forms the foundation of national water prosperity. Citizens, by valuing water as a precious resource, contribute meaningfully to the country’s conservation efforts.

Water as a Sacred Trust: Learning from Tribal Communities

Drawing inspiration from India’s tribal communities, the President highlighted their deep respect for land, water, and natural resources. She urged all citizens to inculcate similar values in daily life. Treating water as a sacred asset, she said, must become a norm embedded in lifestyle choices, guiding personal habits and community action.

She called for heightened public consciousness around water conservation, stressing that effective water harvesting and conservation are only possible through people’s collective power.

The Purpose of the National Water Awards and JSJB Initiative

The National Water Awards, instituted to recognize excellence in water conservation practices, play a crucial role in raising awareness, motivating communities, and showcasing innovation. They highlight success stories across sectors, from agriculture and NGOs to state bodies and urban authorities.

The JSJB initiative is emerging as a transformative platform. By facilitating community participation and convergence of government resources, it is fostering sustainable models of artificial groundwater recharge, strengthening long-term water security, and nurturing a culture of stewardship.