President of India Droupadi Murmu presented the sixth National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Awards at a ceremony in the capital today.
She underscored that effective water management is possible only through the participation of individuals, families, society, and the government.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu reflected on India’s cultural reverence for rivers, lakes, and water sources. She reminded that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee began the national song with the word Sujalam, symbolising abundant water resources, and emphasised that water has always held priority in the nation’s identity.
The President highlighted that efficient water use is a global imperative and even more critical for India, where limited resources must serve a large population. She warned that climate change is disrupting the water cycle and urged collective action to ensure water availability and security.
She expressed satisfaction that under the Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari initiative launched last year, more than 35 lakh groundwater recharge structures have already been built. She also praised industries adopting circular water economy systems, noting that several units have achieved zero fluid discharge through treatment and recirculation.
President Murmu called for prioritising water conservation at every level—central and state governments, district administrations, village panchayats, and municipal bodies. She applauded the contributions of educational institutions, NGOs, and citizen groups, while advising farmers and entrepreneurs to adopt innovative methods that maximise production with minimal water use.
She stressed that water is a valuable asset and urged citizens to integrate efficient water use into their lifestyles. Drawing inspiration from tribal communities that respect natural resources deeply, she encouraged vigilance and awareness about conservation.
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