President Droupadi Murmu to Present First Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Awards
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has announced the recipients of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 (JSJB) awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to water conservation under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign. The awards ceremony is set for November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, where the Honorable President of India will present the accolades. Launched in September 2024, the JSJB initiative aims to enhance community involvement in sustainable water governance and bolster long-term water security across the nation.
Overview of the JSJB Initiative
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative was introduced on September 6, 2024, in Surat, Gujarat, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering communities for effective water management. This program adopts a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, emphasizing participatory stewardship in water governance. The initiative is built around the 3Cs mantra—Community, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Cost—promoting an inclusive model that aims to secure water resources and enhance resilience against water scarcity.
Under this initiative, states are organized into five zones, each tasked with constructing a minimum of 10,000 artificial recharge and storage structures. For districts in North-Eastern and Hilly States, the target is set at 3,000 structures, while Municipal Corporations across the country are also expected to meet the 10,000 structure goal. These structures include rooftop rainwater harvesting systems and the rejuvenation of lakes, ponds, and stepwells, all aimed at improving local water availability.
Collaboration for Urban Water Conservation
To further strengthen urban water conservation efforts, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has partnered with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. This collaboration encourages Urban Local Bodies to construct at least 2,000 recharge structures each. By promoting such initiatives, the government aims to enhance urban water management and ensure sustainable water resources in cities, where demand often outstrips supply.
The JSJB initiative has also led to the development of scalable and replicable models for artificial groundwater recharge. These models are designed to foster community participation and resource convergence, ensuring that local populations are actively involved in water conservation efforts. This grassroots approach is crucial for building long-term resilience against water stress.
This year, a total of 100 awards will be presented, recognizing excellence in water conservation efforts. The awards include honors for three top-performing states, 67 districts, six municipal corporations, one urban local body, two partner ministries or departments, two industries, three NGOs, two philanthropists, and 14 nodal officers. Award winners were selected based on verified data submitted to the JSJB portal, highlighting their significant contributions to water management.
The Government of India is incentivizing awardees for their exceptional progress in constructing and maintaining artificial groundwater recharge structures. Against a target of 10 lakh structures, an impressive 27.6 lakh structures have been reported within the designated timeline. The top-performing districts will receive financial awards, with Category 1 districts earning Rs. 2 crore each, while Categories 2 and 3 will receive Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 25 lakh, respectively. Each award also includes a citation signed by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.
Impact of the JSJB Initiative
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative has made significant strides in promoting sustainable water management practices across India. By fostering community involvement and encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders, the initiative has created a framework for effective water governance. The emergence of diverse models for artificial groundwater recharge demonstrates the potential for scalable solutions to address water scarcity challenges.
As the awards ceremony approaches, the recognition of outstanding performers under the JSJB initiative serves as a testament to the collective efforts of communities, government bodies, and organizations in advancing water conservation. The initiative not only aims to enhance water security but also seeks to inspire further participation in sustainable practices, ensuring a resilient future for India’s water resources.
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