LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh made an impressive mark at the 6th National Water Awards 2024, clinching top honours for its exemplary initiatives in water conservation and management. The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu at a ceremony in New Delhi and underscored UP’s growing leadership in sustainable water practices. In a major achievement, Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Jalaun districts swept the first three positions in the Northern Region Category 1, each securing a cash reward of Rs 2 crore. In Category 2, Chitrakoot district earned the first position, adding another Rs 1 crore to Uttar Pradesh’s tally. These awards celebrate the local administrations’ coordinated efforts to rejuvenate traditional water bodies, strengthen irrigation systems, and promote rainwater harvesting at the grassroots level.
Among urban bodies, Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation stood out by winning the third prize nationally and the first within Uttar Pradesh in the Water Conservation through Public Participation category, receiving Rs 2 crore in prize money. Ghaziabad also secured the fifth position nationally, further consolidating the state’s dominance in the competition.
For individual excellence, officers of the Central Water Commission (CWC) posted in Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur earned the first, second, and third prizes respectively in the Northern Zone, showcasing the synergy between government policy and administrative execution.
A state government spokesperson said the award proves that the Yogi Adityanath government’s active water conservation efforts are working well and that smart planning and effective local governance are helping Uttar Pradesh move towards sustainable development.
“A big honour for Gorakhpur”
Accepting the award for Gorakhpur, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Kumar Srivastava expressed pride in the city’s achievement. He credited community participation and innovative projects for the recognition. Under Gorakhpur’s water conservation mission, the municipal body executed rainwater harvesting projects, restoration of ponds and wells, and natural purification initiatives such as the eco-friendly treatment of river water at Takiya Ghat.
“These initiatives have not only improved water availability but also rejuvenated the city’s ecosystem,” Srivastava said, adding that the award would inspire further civic and public collaboration in environmental management.
The recognition of Uttar Pradesh at the National Water Awards 2024 highlights the growing “Jal Andolan” (Water Movement) within the state showing a blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology. With the government’s continued emphasis on “Har Ghar Jal,” rainwater harvesting, and revival of local water bodies, the state is emerging as a national model for community-driven water stewardship.
The event, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, serves as a national platform to raise awareness about the vital importance of conserving water resources and to honour those who are making a real difference on the ground. It brings together individuals, institutions, and local bodies whose collective efforts are helping secure India’s water future through innovation, participation, and responsible management.
