National Water Awards 2026: Trophies, Citations and Cash Prizes for Water Conservation
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Quick answer
The National Water Awards are an initiative by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise outstanding work in water conservation, groundwater augmentation and sustainable water management. Winners among states, districts, panchayats, local bodies, schools, colleges, institutions, industries, civil society, water user associations and individuals receive trophies, citations and cash prizes. Interested applicants can register and apply online through the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal.
At a glance
| Main benefit | Awards and recognition for water conservation |
| Ministry / department | Ministry Of Jal Shakti |
| Level | Central Government |
| Application mode | Online |
About the scheme
The National Water Awards encourage stakeholders such as civil societies, gram panchayats, urban local bodies, water user associations, institutions, corporate sector and individuals to adopt innovative practices for groundwater augmentation through rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge, promote water use efficiency, recycling and reuse of water, and create awareness through people's participation.
Benefits
- Trophies and citations for Best State (1st, 2nd & 3rd place).
- Trophies and citations for Best District in each of the five zones (Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern).
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best Village Panchayat.
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best Urban Local Body.
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best School or College.
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best Industry.
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best Civil Society.
- Trophies, citations and cash prizes for Best Water User Association.
- Cash prizes for Best Individual for Excellence: 1st - ₹2,00,000/-, 2nd - ₹1,50,000/- and 3rd - ₹1,00,000/-.
- Cash prizes for Best Institution (other than School/College): 1st - ₹2,00,000/- and 2nd - ₹1,50,000/-.
- Total number of awardees: 32.
Who can apply (eligibility)
- State Governments.
- District Administrations.
- Village Panchayats.
- Urban Local Bodies.
- Schools.
- Colleges.
- Institutions (other than schools/colleges).
- Industries.
- Civil Society Organizations.
- Water User Associations.
- Individuals.
Documents required
- PowerPoint Presentation of around 6 slides covering the details of work carried out.
- PowerPoint Presentation in soft copy (online format) only along with the application.
- Supporting newspaper coverage and photographs, if any, may also be submitted along with the application.
How to apply
- 1Visit the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal at awards.gov.in.
- 2Click on Registration and choose Individual or Organization.
- 3Provide the required details such as name as per Aadhaar or valid identity proof, date of birth, mobile number, email ID and Aadhaar number for individuals, or organisation details for organisations.
- 4Submit the registration.
- 5Login using the credentials.
- 6From the list of awards, select the scheme name and click Nominate / Apply Now.
- 7Fill in all mandatory fields in the online application form.
- 8Click Submit.
Frequently asked questions
What are the National Water Awards?+
The National Water Awards are given by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise outstanding achievements in water resources management, conservation and sustainability across India.
Who is eligible for National Water Awards?+
State Governments, District Administrations, Village Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies, Schools, Colleges, Institutions other than schools or colleges, Industries, Civil Society Organizations, Water User Associations and Individuals are eligible.
How much money is given as cash prize?+
For Best Individual for Excellence, the cash prizes are 1st - ₹2,00,000/-, 2nd - ₹1,50,000/- and 3rd - ₹1,00,000/-. For Best Institution other than School or College, the cash prizes are 1st - ₹2,00,000/- and 2nd - ₹1,50,000/-. Cash prize amounts for other categories are not specified.
How to apply for National Water Awards?+
Visit the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal at awards.gov.in, register as an Individual or Organization, log in, select the scheme from the list of awards, fill the mandatory fields and submit the application.
Who can nominate for the awards?+
Self can nominate for Best Individual for Excellence. For other categories, the Secretary or Principal Secretary of the concerned State Department, District Collector or District Magistrate, Head of Body, Principal or Head of School or College, or Head of the Institution, Industry, Organisation or Association can nominate.
What is the last date to apply?+
not specified.
How many awardees are selected?+
32.
Can applicants from all states and union territories participate?+
Yes.
NaukriZila is not a government website. Apply only on the official portal; never pay anyone to apply for a government scheme. Source: myScheme (Government of India)