7th National Water Awards: Apply on Rashtriya Puraskar portal by Aug 28
Synopsis
India's 7th National Water Awards are now open for applications, with the Jal Shakti Ministry accepting entries via the Rashtriya Puraskar portal until 28 August. From states to industries, the awards cover three major sub-categories — and with six successful editions already behind it, the programme has become the government's primary mechanism for spotlighting water conservation champions across the country.
Key Takeaways
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has opened applications for the 7th National Water Awards until 28 August on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal .
Eligible applicants include States , Districts , Urban Local Bodies , Dam Owning Agencies , and Industries .
States will see 3 winners per sub-category; Districts will have 15 winners per sub-category across Water Resource Management , JSJB , and JJM .
Applications are screened by a Screening Committee before being placed before a Jury Committee for final recommendations to the Jal Shakti Minister .
The awards were first introduced in 2018 ; six editions have been successfully held so far.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has opened the application window for the 7th National Water Awards (NWA), inviting entries through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal until 28 August. The awards recognise outstanding contributions by States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, Dam Owning Agencies, and Industries in water conservation and management, according to an official statement released on Friday, 3 July.
How the Selection Process Works
All received applications will first be scrutinised and shortlisted by a Screening Committee. The shortlisted entries will then be placed before a Jury Committee constituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Jury's recommendations will subsequently be submitted to the Jal Shakti Minister for final approval. Each winner will receive a trophy along with a citation.
Award Categories and Distribution
In the States category, three winners will be recognised in each of three sub-categories: Water Resource Management; Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB); and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). For Districts, a total of 15 awards will be given in each of the same three sub-categories, making it one of the broadest district-level water recognition programmes in the country.
Purpose and Vision Behind the Awards
The National Water Awards were designed to advance the government's vision of 'Jal Samridh Bharat' — a water-prosperous India. The programme aims to sensitise the public about responsible water usage and motivate stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach toward managing both surface water and groundwater resources. Notably, the initiative also promotes best practices that can be replicated across regions facing water stress.
Background and Track Record
The first edition of the National Water Awards was launched in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Since then, six editions have been successfully organised, progressively expanding the scope of categories and the number of entities eligible to participate. The 7th edition continues that trajectory at a time when India faces mounting pressure on its water resources from climate variability and rising demand.
How to Apply
Eligible entities — including state governments, district administrations, urban local bodies, dam owning agencies, and industries — can submit applications through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal before the deadline of 28 August. The portal serves as the single-window platform for all national award applications under the Union government.
Point of View
The National Water Awards have built a credible track record — but the real question is whether recognition translates into replicable policy. With India's per capita water availability declining and groundwater depletion accelerating in key agricultural states, the awards programme risks becoming a ceremonial exercise unless winning practices are systematically documented and scaled. The inclusion of Jal Jeevan Mission as a distinct sub-category is a meaningful signal, but the absence of publicly available outcome data from past winners limits the programme's value as a learning platform. The 7th edition is an opportunity to raise that bar.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7th National Water Awards and who can apply?
The 7th National Water Awards, organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, recognise exemplary work in water conservation and management. Eligible applicants include States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, Dam Owning Agencies, and Industries across India.
What is the last date to apply for the 7th National Water Awards?
The application window closes on 28 August. Entries must be submitted through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal, which is the Union government's single-window platform for national award applications.
What are the award categories under the National Water Awards?
Awards are given under three sub-categories: Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB), and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). States receive 3 winners per sub-category, while Districts receive 15 winners per sub-category.
How are winners selected for the National Water Awards?
Applications are first shortlisted by a Screening Committee, then reviewed by a Jury Committee under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Final recommendations go to the Jal Shakti Minister for approval.
When were the National Water Awards first introduced?
The National Water Awards were introduced in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Six editions have been successfully organised since then, with the 7th edition now underway.
