Water is one of the vital components of life. The rapid pace of irrigation growth, urbanization & industrialization has put enormous stress on water resources. Cumulative impact of increase in use of this precious natural resource has led to water scarcity in many regions of the country. Nevertheless, the climate change has also resulted in change in hydrologic cycle in the country. Hence, it is necessary that this scarce resource is protected by effective and efficient management on sound scientific methodology for its sustainable development. India’s current water requirement is estimated to be around 1,100 billion cubic meters per year, projected to go up to 1,447 billion cubic meters by 2050. Water as a resource is crucial to India, which is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. While India has more than 18% of the world’s population, it has only 4% of world’s renewable water resources. Water Awards - editions The first edition of the National Water Awards was introduced in the year 2018 by the Department. In the first National Water Awards, 2018, 82 winners in 14 categories were awarded. The 2nd National Water Awards, 2019 were conferred on 98 winners in 16 categories The 3rd National Water Awards, 2020 were awarded to 57 winners under 11 categories The 4th National Water Awards, 2022 were conferred on 41 winners under 11 categories The 5th National Water Awards, 2023 have been awarded to 38 winners in 09 categories. The 6th National Water Awards 2025 were awarded to 46 winners across 10 categories National water awards for 2021 were not organised due to CoVID pandemic. Details of Awards The entries for National Water Awards are invited in 95 categories which are as follows. - Best State - Water Resource Management, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari (JSJB), Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Best District (1 Awards each in five zones; total 5 Awards) Best Urban Local Body Best School/College Best Institution (Other than School/College) / Resident Welfare Association (RWA) / Religious organisations for successful campus water usage Best Industry for industrial water conservation. Best NGO/Civil Society Best Water User Association A total of 70 Awards will be given under 5 categories. The Awards include a Trophy with a Citation. Who can apply Any State, District, Urban Local Body, Dam Own Agencies who has done good work in the field of water conservation and management is eligible to apply. Who can nominate ? Secretary/Principal Secretary of concerned State Departments, District Collector/ District Magistrate/ Head of Body How to apply All the applications are to be submitted online at https://www.awards.gov.in/. Only online applications will be considered. To access the complete guidelines and application form, click here. Awardees of National Water Awards 6th National Water Award 2025 To access the list of winners of the sixth National Water Awards, click here. 5th National Water Award 2024 To access the list of winners of the 5th National Water Awards, click here. 4th National Water Award 2022 To access the list of winners of the 4th National Water Award 2022, click here. 3rd National Water Award 2020 To access the list of winners of the 3rd National Water Award 2020, click here. 2nd National Water Award 2019 To access the list of winners of the 2nd National Water Award 2019, click here. 1st National Water Award 2018 The first National Water Award was launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry in 2018. Source : Ministry of Jal Shakti.