National Water Awards

National Water Awards 2026, the 7th edition of the national honour, is now open for applications on the Rashtriya Puraskar portal. Ministry of Jal Shakti has invited states, districts, urban local bodies, industries and other people involved in water conservation to share their work before 28 August 2026.

National Water Awards recognize good work in water conservation, rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water use across India. The scheme is managed by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

About National Water Awards 2026

Government of India started National Water Awards in 2018 with the vision of a Jal Samridh Bharat, or water-prosperous India. The 7th edition continues this effort by encouraging states, districts, organizations and individuals to adopt a complete approach toward managing surface water and groundwater.

Applications for the 7th National Water Awards opened on 29 June 2026. All nominations must be submitted online through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal at awards.gov.in before 28 August 2026. This year 70 awards will be given across different categories, and winners receive a trophy and a citation.

The award categories are linked to central water schemes such as Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari, Water Resource Management and Jal Jeevan Mission. Work done under these programs is evaluated while shortlisting the winners.

Key Information

Award Categories

The 7th National Water Awards will honour outstanding performers in five main categories. Each category has its own sub-categories and evaluation parameters.

• Best State: States and union territories are evaluated on water resource management under Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari and Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Best District: Districts are judged across five zones, Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern and North-Eastern, with 15 awards in this category.
• Best Urban Local Body: Municipal corporations and urban local bodies doing good work in water conservation can apply.
• Best Implemented Project in the Water Sector: The theme for the 7th edition is dam safety, so projects related to dam safety and water sector works are considered.
• Best Industry for CSR Initiative: Industries running strong corporate social responsibility programs in the water sector are recognized.

Benefits

Winners of the 7th National Water Awards receive a trophy and a citation from the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The awards are presented at a national ceremony, and winners get national-level appreciation for their water conservation work.

The main benefit of the award is recognition at the national level. This helps states, districts, organizations and industries show their commitment to water security and encourages others to take up similar work.

Eligibility

Eligibility for National Water Awards 2026 is open to public, administrative, individual and institutional entities within India that have achieved measurable results in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation and overall water use efficiency.

• All state governments and union territories can apply.
• District administrations led by district magistrates or collectors can apply.
• Urban local bodies and municipal corporations are eligible.
• Industries doing good corporate social responsibility work in the water sector can apply.
• Individuals and organizations with proven water management work can also participate.

Application Process

Applications for National Water Awards 2026 are accepted only online through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal. Follow these steps to submit the nomination before 28 August 2026.

STEP 1 - Visit the official Rashtriya Puraskar portal at awards.gov.in and create a new account using the Registration button on the homepage.

STEP 2 - Log in with the credentials and go to the Ongoing Awards section. Click on National Water Awards 2026 to open the nomination form.

STEP 3 - Fill in the profile details, select the award category and provide details of the water conservation work done, along with supporting documents and evidence.

STEP 4 - Review all the entered information and submit the form online before the last date of 28 August 2026.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents and supporting material ready before starting the online application.

• A presentation that clearly explains the water conservation work done, submitted in soft copy format.
• Supporting evidence such as photographs, newspaper clippings and project reports of the work carried out.
• Valid contact and identity details of the applicant or the organization head.

Selection Process

The selection for National Water Awards 2026 is done in multiple stages to keep the process fair and clear.

STEP 1 - A screening committee of the department checks all online applications and shortlists the eligible entries.

STEP 2 - The shortlisted profiles are placed before an independent jury committee formed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

STEP 3 - The jury recommendations go to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti for final approval.

STEP 4 - The final winners are announced at a national awards ceremony, where the awards are presented by the President of India or the Vice President of India.

References

Award Guidelines | Official Registration Portal | Official Award Details 2026 | News on Air Update | Support Data

FAQ's

What are National Water Awards?

National Water Awards are a national honour given by the Government of India to recognize good work in water conservation, groundwater recharge and efficient water use.

Who organizes National Water Awards?

The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti organizes these awards.

What is the last date to apply for National Water Awards 2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 28 August 2026.

How many awards are given in the 7th edition?

A total of 70 awards are given across different categories in the 7th edition.

Is there any fee to apply?

No, applying for National Water Awards is free for all eligible applicants.

How are the winners selected?

A screening committee shortlists the applications, an independent jury committee evaluates them, and the Union Minister of Jal Shakti gives the final approval.

Can candidates from all states apply?

Yes, any eligible state, district, organization or individual from anywhere in India, including union territories, can apply.