Uttar Pradesh shines in sixth National Water Awards-2024

Uttar Pradesh has added another feather to its cap with its outstanding performance in the Sixth National Water Awards 2024, announced by the Central Government on Tuesday.

Mirzapur has been declared the Best District in the Northern Zone, while the Agra Municipal Corporation secured joint third place in the Best Urban Local Body (ULB) category. This achievement underscores the success of the double-engine government’s vision of “Har Ghar Nal, Har Khet Ko Pani,” officials here stated.

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This recognition highlights the state’s remarkable strides in water conservation and public participation. The accomplishments of Mirzapur and Agra are setting new benchmarks for effective water management across the country.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mirzapur has effectively implemented the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana, leading to the revival of reservoirs, construction of drains, and expansion of irrigation facilities in rural areas.

Active participation by panchayats and local youth has made these initiatives highly successful, with several villages reporting a rise in groundwater levels through rainwater harvesting and pond rejuvenation projects.

The Agra Municipal Corporation, on the other hand, has emerged as a model for urban water conservation through innovative practices. It recycles treated water from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for use in parks and industries.

The adoption of leakage-tracking systems and smart metering has minimized water wastage, placing Agra among India’s leading urban bodies. Under the Yogi government’s Har Ghar Nal Yojana, household water supply has seen remarkable improvement in Agra and other cities.

Over the past eight and a half years, the Yogi government has transformed water conservation into a people’s movement. Regular monitoring of flagship campaigns such as Har Ghar Jal, Har Khet Ko Pani and the Atal Bhujal Yojana has ensured steady progress. Efforts to revive reservoirs, reinstall hand pumps, and expand access to clean tap water are ongoing across all 75 districts.

As part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, one village in every district, including Lucknow, is being developed as a pilot project to provide 24-hour clean drinking water. Once successful, this model will be expanded statewide.

Parallel efforts for river rejuvenation are also underway. CM Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly emphasized that “every drop of water counts,” and this vision is now bringing Uttar Pradesh national acclaim.

Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil announced the winners in New Delhi on Tuesday. The awards ceremony will be held on November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.

Out of 751 applications received from across India, 46 winners were selected, with Uttar Pradesh standing out for its innovative policies, effective implementation, and active public participation.