The Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched the 7th National Water Awards (NWA) 2026, inviting applications from States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, Dam Owning Agencies and Industries for outstanding work in water conservation and water resource management. Applications will open from 29th June 2026 and the last date of submission online by 28th August 2026, through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Key Highlights
- Applications for the 7th National Water Awards 2026 are open until August 28, 2026.
- Awards recognise excellence in water conservation, Jal Jeevan Mission, JSJB and Dam Safety initiatives.
- Five major award categories cover States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, Projects and Industries.
- Winners will receive a Trophy and Citation during a national award ceremony.
The Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti has officially launched the 7th National Water Awards (NWA) 2026, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable water management and conservation practices across the country. The awards have been announced on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, where all eligible applicants must submit their entries online before August 28, 2026.
Details of the awards
| S No. | Category of Award | Sub-category | EligibleEntity | No. of Awards/Prize money | Selection process |
| 1. | Best State | Water Resource Management | State Govt/ UT | 3 Awards (First, Second & Third) | Applications received on MHA Puraskar portal |
| Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB) | State Govt/UT | 3 Awards (First, Second & Third) | To be selected from JSJB monitoring framework | ||
| Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) | State Govt/ UT | 3 Awards (First, Second & Third) | To be selected from JJM-IMIS, JSAn(Jal Seva Aankalan) Data under JJM-IMIS, and WQMIS(Water Quality Monitoring Information System) | ||
| 2. | Best District | Water Resource Management | District Admn/DM/DC | 15 Awards (Threeawards – per zone first, second & third from five zones i.e., Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern) | Applications received on MHA Puraskar portal |
| Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB) | District Admn/DM/DC | 15 Awards (Threeawards per zone-first, second & third from five zones i.e., Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern) | To be selected from JSJB monitoring framework | ||
| Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) | District Admn/DM/DC | 15 Awards (Threeawards per zone – first, second & third from five zones i.e.Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern) | To be selected from JJM-IMIS, JSAn(Jal Seva Aankalan) Data under JJM-IMIS, and WQMIS(Water Quality Monitoring Information System) | ||
| 3. | Best Urban Local Body | Water Resource Management | Urban Local Body | 5 Awards (Oneaward from each of the five zonesi.e., Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern) | Applications received on MHA Puraskar portal |
| Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB) | Urban Local Body | 5 Awards (Oneaward from each of the five zonesi.e., Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern & North Eastern) | To be selected from JSJB monitoring framework | ||
| 4. | Best Implemented Project in water sector | Theme for 7th NWAs is Dam Safety | Project Implementing Authorities | 3 Awards:First, Second and Third award | Applications received on MHA Puraskar portal |
| 5. | Best Industry for CSR initiative in water sector | – | Industry | 3 Awards:First, Second and Third award | To be selected from portals related to CSR of Ministry of Corporate Affairs/related Ministries |
The National Water Awards have emerged as one of India’s most prestigious recognitions for institutions and government bodies that have made a significant contribution to water conservation, efficient water resource management and public participation. The initiative supports the Government of India’s vision of ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’, encouraging innovative solutions for ensuring long-term water security.
This year’s awards will honour outstanding performers in five major categories—Best State, Best District, Best Urban Local Body, Best Implemented Project in the Water Sector, and Best Industry for CSR Initiative in the Water Sector. Several categories will also recognise excellence in Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) through dedicated evaluation frameworks.
A major attraction of the 7th National Water Awards is the ‘Dam Safety’ theme for the Best Implemented Project in the Water Sector category. Project implementing authorities demonstrating excellence in dam safety and infrastructure management will compete for First, Second and Third Awards, highlighting the growing importance of resilient water infrastructure.
The Ministry has stated that all applications will first undergo scrutiny by a Screening Committee, followed by evaluation by a Jury Committee constituted by the Department. The final list of winners will be approved by the Minister of Jal Shakti, while the awards are expected to be presented by the President of India or the Vice President of India during a formal national ceremony.
Since its launch in 2018, the National Water Awards have played a vital role in recognising exemplary efforts by governments, institutions and industries while inspiring stakeholders to adopt innovative, community-driven and sustainable water management practices. The awards continue to strengthen India’s nationwide movement towards responsible water conservation and integrated resource management.
Conclusion
The 7th National Water Awards 2026 offer an important platform for recognising exceptional contributions to water conservation, dam safety and sustainable water management. With applications open until August 28, 2026, eligible organisations have an opportunity to showcase successful initiatives that support India’s vision of a water-secure future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the National Water Awards 2026 ?
The National Water Awards 2026 are an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise outstanding contributions in water conservation, water resource management, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting and sustainable water practices across India.
Q2. Who is eligible to apply for the National Water Awards 2026 ?
Eligible applicants include State Governments, District Administrations, Urban Local Bodies, Dam Owning Agencies/Project Implementing Authorities and Industries (under the CSR category) that have demonstrated exemplary work in water conservation and management.
Q3. What is the last date to submit applications ?
The last date to submit online applications is August 28, 2026 through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Q4. How can organisations apply for the awards ?
Applications can be submitted online only through the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in). Detailed guidelines are also available on the Ministry of Jal Shakti’s official website.
Q5. How many awards will be presented ?
A total of 70 awards will be presented across various categories recognising excellence in water conservation, water resource management and sustainable development
Q6. What are the major award categories ?
The awards cover Best State, Best District, Best Urban Local Body, Best Implemented Project in the Water Sector (Theme: Dam Safety), and Best Industry for CSR Initiative in the Water Sector, along with sub-categories under Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB), and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
Q7. What do the winners receive ?
Each winner receives a Trophy and Citation and is honoured during a national award ceremony, typically presided over by the President of India or the Vice President of India.
Q8. How are the winners selected?
Applications are first evaluated by a Screening Committee, after which shortlisted entries are assessed by an expert Jury Committee constituted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The final recommendations are approved by the Union Minister for Jal Shakti before the winners are announced.
