The Ministry of Jal Shakti has opened up the 7th edition of the National Water Awards (NWA), meant to recognise strong work in water conservation, resource management and sustainable use across the country. Applications are open now and can be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal until August 28, 2026.
The awards were set up by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, and the goal is to push states, districts, urban local bodies, industries and other stakeholders toward more innovative, sustainable water management, in step with the Jal Samridh Bharat vision.
Applying through the portal
Every application for the 7th National Water Awards has to go through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal, which is run by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Anyone who wants the full guidelines or eligibility details can find those on the Department of Water Resources website.
Who’s eligible
The awards are open to:
- State Governments and Union Territories
- District administrations
- Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Dam-owning agencies and project authorities
- Industries running water conservation initiatives
Applicants need to show real, demonstrable work in areas like water conservation, efficient use, groundwater management, rainwater harvesting, community participation and sustainable water practices.
The award categories
There are five major categories this year.
Best State: Three sub-categories here: Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB), and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). Each sub-category gets a first, second and third prize.
Best District: Districts compete across five geographical zones: Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and North Eastern. The same three sub-categories apply (Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari, Jal Jeevan Mission), and every zone hands out first, second and third prizes in each one.
Best Urban Local Body: ULBs are recognised for work under Water Resource Management and Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari, with one award going to each of the five zones in both categories.
Best Implemented Project in Water Sector: This year’s theme is Dam Safety. Project authorities that show real excellence in dam safety and management can win first, second or third prize.
Best Industry for CSR Initiative in Water Sector: Industries doing meaningful CSR work around water conservation get three awards here too.
How winners get picked
Applications submitted through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal go first to a Screening Committee. Whatever gets shortlisted then moves to a Jury Committee set up by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
The jury’s recommendations go to the Union Minister for Jal Shakti for final approval, and only after that are the winners announced. Winners get a trophy and a citation at a formal ceremony, which is expected to be presided over by the President or Vice-President of India.
Key Takeaway: The National Water Awards started back in 2018 to spotlight strong contributions to water conservation and management. Across six editions so far, they’ve highlighted successful work from governments, institutions and communities all over India.
By rewarding good practices and fresh solutions, the awards are meant to raise awareness around water conservation and push stakeholders toward a more complete approach to managing both surface and groundwater resources.
MCQ:
1. The National Water Awards are administered by which department?
A. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
B. Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation
C. Central Water Commission
D. National Mission for Clean Ganga
2. The 2026 theme under the Best Implemented Project in Water Sector category of the National Water Awards is:
A. River Rejuvenation
B. Groundwater Recharge
C. Dam Safety
D. Smart Irrigation
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