New Delhi : The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar conferred 4th National Water Awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. He also appealed to all citizens to make conservation of water an integral aspect of their daily lives, so that the spirit of Jan Andolan can accelerate the cause of Jal Andolan.
During his address at the 4th National Water Awards at Vigyan Bhawan New Delhi, the Vice-President also called for reinvigorating our traditional water harvesting structures such as johads (ponds) through renewed commitment to the “3Rs of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Drawing attention to Constitutional provisions such as the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties that emphasize on the conservation of water and environment, the Vice-President highlighted the transformational impact that Government initiatives such as Jal Jeevan Mission are having on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Noting that conservation of water has always been an inalienable facet of India’s civilizational ethos, the Vice-President said that it is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure the wise use of nature’s gifts. “Natural resources utilisation has to be as per our optimum necessity,” he stressed.
At the fourth National Water Awards Ceremony, which was inaugurated by the Vice-President by a symbolic Jal Kalash ceremony, 41 winners were felicitated across 11 categories.
The Vice-President also inaugurated a short film featuring the animated character Piku, the mascot of the National Water Mission, to be telecast on Doordarshan for amplifying the message of water conservation.
About National Water Award
The National Water Awards, in line with the government’s vision of fostering a water-rich India, serve as a testament to the extraordinary contributions made by individuals and organizations. This recognition not only raises awareness about the crucial value of water but also inspires the adoption of best practices for sustainable water utilization, ensuring a brighter and more water-secure future for the nation.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Food Processing Industries, Bishweswar Tudu, Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs, along with Pankaj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, and were also present on the occasion.