Water is one of the vital components of life. The rapid pace of irrigation growth, urbanization & industrialization has put enormous stress on water resources. Cumulative impact of increase in use of this precious natural resource has led to water scarcity in many regions of the country. Moreover, the climate change has resulted in change in hydrologic cycle in the country. Hence, it is necessary that this scarce resource is protected by effective and efficient management on sound scientific methodology for its sustainable development.

The Ground Water Augmentation Awards and National Water Award were launched in the year 2007 with an objective to encourage all stakeholder including the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, Water User Associations, Institutions, Corporate Sector, Individuals etc. for adopting innovative practices of ground water augmentation by rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge, promoting water use efficiency, recycling & re-use of water and creating awareness through people's participation in the targeted areas resulting into the sustainability of ground water resources development, adequate capacity building amongst the stakeholders etc.

Considering the fact that surface water & Ground water are integral part of the water cycle, it was felt necessary to institute unified National Water Awards with the objectives of encouraging the stakeholders to adopt holistic approach towards water resources management in the country. Thus, National Water Awards 2018 was organised in 2018-19 and winners were selected and felicitated with awards/citations on 25th February, 2019 at New Delhi. In the next year 2019-20, NWA 2019 was organised successfully and winners were felicitated through a virtual platform with awards/citations on 11th and 12th November, 2020. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Vice President of India.

With continued focus on creating mass awareness and motivating more number of people for working towards water conservation/management, 3rd National Water Awards 2020 is now being launched by the Department of Water Resources, RD & GR on 10th December, 2020 to recognise the efforts of people/organisations working in this field throughout the country across various categories to cover maximum area possible.

Click here to read Guidelines for 3rd National Water Awards 2020

Procedure for Submission
• Applicants shall download application forms for the respective category from -
https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/national-water-awards-2020/
• Duly filled and signed application form shall be uploaded on MyGov
• Applicants can provide link to videos (if any) in the “Submit task” text box

The last date of submissions is 31.03.2021