National Water Awards 2026 guidelines are available on the official Rashtriya Puraskar portal at awards.gov.in. Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 7th edition of the National Water Awards on 3 July 2026 and the last date to submit applications is 28 August 2026.
National Water Awards were introduced in 2018 to recognise and encourage good work done by States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, industries and other organisations in the field of water conservation and management. The awards support the government's vision of Jal Samridh Bharat and aim to build a nationwide water awareness movement.
National Water Awards 2026 Eligibility
Any State, District, Urban Local Body, Dam Owning Agency or Industry that has done good work in the field of water conservation and management is eligible to apply for the 7th National Water Awards. Applications are received only through the online Rashtriya Puraskar portal.
National Water Awards 2026 Categories
The 7th National Water Awards will recognise outstanding work in five main categories. Each winner receives a Trophy with a Citation.
- Best State - awards are given for Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari and Jal Jeevan Mission sub-categories.
- Best District - 15 awards are given, three from each of the five zones of Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern and North Eastern India.
- Best Urban Local Body - five awards are given, one from each zone.
- Best Implemented Project in water sector - the theme for the 7th edition is Dam Safety.
- Best Industry for CSR initiative in water sector - three awards are given.
National Water Awards 2026 Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | National Water Awards 2026 |
| Organising Ministry | Ministry of Jal Shakti (DoWR, RD and GR) |
| Edition | 7th Edition |
| Application Platform | Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in) |
| Launch Date | 3 July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 August 2026 |
| Total Awards | 70 awards |
| Award Reward | Trophy and Citation |
Selection Process
All applications received for the 7th National Water Awards are first checked and shortlisted by a Screening Committee. The shortlisted applications are then placed before a Jury Committee which is constituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The recommendations of the Jury Committee are submitted to the Minister of Jal Shakti for approval. After approval, the names of winners are announced on a suitable date and an award distribution ceremony is organised. The winners are conferred with the awards by the President of India or the Vice President of India.
How to Apply for National Water Awards 2026
Eligible States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, industries and other organisations can apply online through the Rashtriya Puraskar portal. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Visit the official Rashtriya Puraskar portal at awards.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Go to the Ongoing Awards tab on the homepage and click on National Water Awards 2026.
STEP 3 - Click on the registration or login option and fill out the application form with details of the water conservation work done.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents and evidence of the work, review the details and submit the application before 28 August 2026.
FAQ's
Who can apply for National Water Awards 2026?
Any State, District, Urban Local Body, Dam Owning Agency or Industry that has done good work in water conservation and management can apply.
What is the last date to apply for National Water Awards 2026?
The last date to submit applications is 28 August 2026.
Where can I apply for National Water Awards 2026?
Applications are accepted only through the official Rashtriya Puraskar portal at awards.gov.in.