The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, proudly announces the winners of the 5th National Water Awards (NWA), 2023. These prestigious awards recognize the efforts of individuals, organizations, and institutions across India in water conservation and management. With 38 winners across 9 categories, the awards aim to raise awareness and encourage best practices in water usage and sustainability.
Best State Award: Odisha Leads the Way
In the Best State category, Odisha has claimed the top prize for its exceptional work in water resource management and sustainability. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry were honored as joint third-place winners. Each winning state has demonstrated significant efforts in the sustainable use of water resources, ensuring water security for their populations.
The award distribution ceremony for the 5th National Water Awards, 2023 is scheduled to be held on 22nd October 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, as the Chief Guest.
Recognizing Water Conservation Across Categories
The National Water Awards focus on good practices in water management, highlighting initiatives that align with the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’ (Water-Enriched India). The awards serve to encourage individuals, organizations, and institutions to continue efforts toward water conservation and sustainable usage.
Launched in 2018, the awards have gained prominence, with winners from across the country being recognized for their contributions to water management. For the 5th edition, 686 applications were received, and a jury committee evaluated them based on reports from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).
Award Ceremony: Promoting Water Management Awareness
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has undertaken a nationwide campaign to spread awareness about water management and water conservation. The awards aim to engage citizens and organizations in promoting best practices for the preservation of this precious resource.
The event provides an occasion for stakeholders in water conservation, management, and policy development to come together and share insights. It also strengthens partnerships between people, organizations, and the government in their collective goal of ensuring water sustainability.
Categories and Winners of 5th National Water Awards 2023
The awards were given in 9 categories, recognizing contributions from states, districts, village panchayats, schools, colleges, industries, water user associations, institutions, and civil society organizations. Below is a detailed list of winners for each category.
Best State
| Rank | State |
|---|---|
| 1st | Odisha |
| 2nd | Uttar Pradesh |
| 3rd | Gujarat (Joint Winner) |
| 3rd | Puducherry (Joint Winner) |
Best District (Zone-Wise)
| Zone | District | State |
|---|---|---|
| South | Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh |
| North-East | Dhalai | Tripura |
| North | Banda (Joint Winner) | Uttar Pradesh |
| North | Ganderbal (Joint Winner) | Jammu & Kashmir |
| West | Indore | Madhya Pradesh |
| East | Balangir | Odisha |
Best Village Panchayat
| Rank | Village Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pullampara, Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala |
| 2nd | Masulpani, Kanker | Chhattisgarh |
| 3rd | Hampapuram, Anantapur (Joint Winner) | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3rd | Khliehrangnah, West Jaintia Hills (Joint Winner) | Meghalaya |
Best Urban Local Body
| Rank | Urban Local Body | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Surat | Gujarat |
| 2nd | Puri | Odisha |
| 3rd | Pune | Maharashtra |
Best School or College
| Rank | School/College Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Govt. Upper Primary School, Jethwanka Bas | Rajasthan |
| 2nd | Govt. Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya, Paschim Vihar | New Delhi |
| 3rd | Khairbani Ashram School, Baisinga | Odisha |
| – | BHSS, Zainakote (Special Mention) | Jammu & Kashmir |
Best Industry
| Rank | Industry Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Aravali Power Company Private Limited | Haryana |
| 2nd | Apollo Tyres Limited | Tamil Nadu |
| 3rd | Raymond Uco Denim Pvt Ltd | Maharashtra |
Best Water User Association
| Rank | Water User Association | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Pentakli Project Union of Water User Association | Maharashtra |
| 2nd | Water User Cooperative Society | Karnataka |
| 3rd | Parambur Big Tank Water User Association | Tamil Nadu |
Best Institution (Other than School/College)
| Rank | Institution Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | Tamil Nadu |
| 2nd | Koner Laksmaiah Education Foundation | Andhra Pradesh |
| 3rd | Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (Joint Winner) | Tamil Nadu |
| 3rd | Sri Tirumala Nagar Resident Welfare Association | Andhra Pradesh |
| – | IIT Tirupati (Special Mention) | Andhra Pradesh |
| – | Birla Institute of Science and Technology (Special Mention) | Rajasthan |
Best Civil Society
| Rank | Civil Society Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | BAIF Development Research Foundation | Maharashtra |
| 2nd | Yuva Mitra, Mitrangan Campus | Maharashtra |
| 3rd | Gramin Vikas Trust | Gujarat |
| – | Art of Living, Vyakti Vikas Kendra India (Special Mention) | Karnataka |
| – | S. M. Sehgal Foundation (Special Mention) | Haryana |
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