Water conservation must become people’s movement: Jal Shakti Minister at Jal Prahari Samman 2025

A total of 33 Water Praharis from across India were honoured on Friday at the ‘Jal Prahari Samman–2025’ ceremony held at New Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi.

The ‘Jal Prahari Samman’ recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions in – water conservation, revival and rejuvenation of water bodies, community-led water resource management and innovations in sustainable water practices.

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The awards recognise individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to water conservation and community-driven initiatives.

This year’s awardees represent Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Bihar, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and other states, each contributing significantly to water conservation, revival of water bodies, and public participation efforts.

The ceremony was graced by C.R. Patil, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, and Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Parmarth Niketan, whose presence motivated and inspired the awardees.

Patil congratulated all the awardees and said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the honoured Water Praharis. You have truly embodied the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for a nationwide people’s movement on water conservation. Your efforts have made exemplary contributions to strengthening India’s water security and advancing our goals of sustainable development. Your commitment and spirit of service are invaluable to the nation.”

Saraswati highlighted the spiritual and national significance of water, stating, “Water is not merely an element; it is the first mantra of life and the very life force of the Earth. Without securing our water, neither life nor civilization can remain secure.” He further emphasised that, on the occasion of UNICEF Day, protecting water for the well-being of children must be recognised as a foremost national responsibility, adding, “If we wish to safeguard our future, we must begin by safeguarding every drop today.”

The organisers noted that the dedication of these Water Praharis reflects the growing national movement towards sustainable water management and community-led conservation across India

The 33 awardees honoured this year include Akanksha Samuel and Dr. Lal Singh Kirar from Madhya Pradesh; Akanksha Konde (IAS) and Vinod Singh Khati from Uttarakhand; Arindam Choudhury and Bibhu Chowdhury from Jharkhand; and Dr. Bindiya Saxena, Himanshu Nagpal, Madhukar Swayambhu, Neeraj Trivedi, Nirmal Yadav, Rajesh Kumar Shukla, Sonakshi Shree (Gramin Vikas Trust, NOIDA), Suman Saha & Gautam Singh, Sanjay Rana, and Shri Saket from Uttar Pradesh. The list also features Brijkishore Gupta, Dhaval Pandya and Dr. Nilkumar Desai from Gujarat; Bhoj Kumar Sahu and Tarun Vaidya from Chhattisgarh; Eknath Motilal, Dr. H.M. Patil, Aniruddh Todkar (MAPS Industries) and Sonu Patil Bhila from Maharashtra; Kamini Kumari and Kishore Jaiswal from Bihar; Nehpal Singh from Rajasthan; Dhanalakshmi Ramachandra from Karnataka; Puneet Khanna from Punjab; Sabyasachi Bharti from New Delhi; Rizwan Basha Shaik (IAS) from Telangana; and Rameshwar Lal Meena.