National Water Awards

National Water Awards (NWA) was instituted in the year 2018, by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. It recognises exemplary initiatives and works done in the field of efficient water resource management. The award is given under many categories and each for various zones in India.

The topic has a high probability of being asked as an Environment Questions in IAS Prelims.

Facts about National Water Awards

• The first such award was launched in the year 2018.
• The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation organises this award which works under the ambit of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• The award is given to both individuals and organisations to acknowledge their works exemplary work in the sector of water resources management and encourage them too.
• It’ll help the government achieve its vision of ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’.
• The award also acts as a tool to inspire others to thrive for efficient water resources management and appreciates healthy competition.
• It is given in 11 different categories, which are:
  • Best State
  • Best District
  • Best Village Panchayat
  • Best Urban Local Body
  • Best Media (Print & Electronic)
  • Best School
  • Best Institution/RWA/Religious Organisation for Campus usage
  • Best Industry
  • Best Non-Government Organisation (NGO)
  • Best Water User Association
  • Best Industry for Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) Activities.
• A few of the aforementioned categories have sub-categories which are divided as per the geographical zones in India, such as:
  • East Zone
  • West Zone
  • North Zone
  • South Zone
  • North-East Zone
• All winners of this award get a trophy, a citation, and some cash prize as well.

Note: UPSC 2022 is approaching closer, supplement your preparation with the free Environment Notes for UPSC by BYJU’s.

Facts about Water Use and Requirements in India

• India has only 4% of the world’s total renewable water resources to fulfil the needs of its population, which accounts for 18% of the world’s total population.
• India has the largest share of agricultural land under groundwater irrigation. Yet a major portion of farms is monsoon dependent.
• About 1,100 billion cubic meters per year is the currently estimated water requirement of India, which is estimated to skyrocket up to 1,447 billion cubic meters before the year 2050.
• Flood irrigation is the most widely used mode of irrigation in India, which has disturbed the underground water table of India in the past several decades. The activity has also led to increased salination of topsoil, thereby increasing the water demand of the soil even more.
  • It is in this backdrop that initiatives like these are required to raise general awareness about efficient water resources management and stop the unnecessary exploitation of freshwater sources.

Winners of National Water Awards, 2020

Union Jal Shakti Ministry has recently announced the winners of the National Water Awards 2020. A total of 57 awards are to be given to different winners. The list of the winners in all the categories and for all zones is listed below:

Note: Regional names are important with respect to State PSC exams.

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