Sepahijala District in Tripura wins Best District (North East Zone) at the 6th National Water Awards 2024 for its outstanding water conservation initiatives. Recognized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the award celebrates sustainable water management and community engagement.
In a remarkable achievement for Tripura, Sepahijala District has been declared the Best District in the North East Zone at the 6th National Water Awards 2024, recognizing its outstanding commitment to sustainable water management and conservation practices.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, during a prestigious ceremony at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi, on Tuesday. The event brought together policymakers, water management experts, and community leaders from across India to celebrate innovative water conservation initiatives under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Instituted by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), the National Water Awards serve as a platform to acknowledge exemplary contributions in water resource management. These awards aim to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and encourage stakeholders—from individuals to institutions—to adopt efficient water use practices for a sustainable future.
Recognizing Excellence in Water Management
The 2024 edition of the National Water Awards featured ten distinct categories, including:
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Best State
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Best District
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Best Village Panchayat
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Best Urban Local Body
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Best School or College
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Best Industry
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Best Water User Association
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Best Institution (other than school or college)
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Best Civil Society Organization
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Best Individual for Water Excellence
From 751 applications received across India, 46 winners, including joint awardees, were carefully selected for their innovation, dedication, and measurable impact in the water sector.
Sepahijala’s Model of Sustainable Water Practices
Sepahijala District’s recognition marks a milestone in Tripura’s ongoing efforts toward achieving water sustainability and resilience. The district administration has been actively implementing a multi-pronged approach that includes:
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Rainwater Harvesting Initiatives in both urban and rural areas to enhance groundwater recharge.
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Community Engagement Programs encouraging local participation in water-saving measures.
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Micro-Irrigation Projects promoting water-efficient farming practices among small and marginal farmers.
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Rejuvenation of Water Bodies, such as ponds, tanks, and streams, to restore natural ecosystems.
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Awareness Campaigns in Schools and Villages, highlighting the importance of water conservation in daily life.
These sustained efforts have transformed Sepahijala into a model district for water governance, inspiring neighboring regions in the North East to adopt similar community-based approaches.
National Recognition and Upcoming Ceremony
The award distribution ceremony will be held on November 18, 2025, at the Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will attend as the Chief Guest, and several dignitaries from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and state governments will also be present.
The recognition of Sepahijala not only brings national prestige to Tripura but also reinforces India’s broader vision of “Jal Samridh Bharat”—a Water Prosperous Nation.
Promoting Water Conservation Across India
Launched in 2018, the National Water Awards were conceptualized to promote best practices in water resource management and to foster a culture of responsible water use across India. By honoring individuals, communities, and institutions, the awards motivate others to take proactive measures for conserving water and maintaining ecological balance.
Union Minister C.R. Paatil emphasized that such recognitions play a key role in achieving the government’s mission of “Amrit Kal for Water Security”, aligning with national initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
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Sepahijala’s success serves as a testament to Tripura’s growing environmental consciousness and effective administrative leadership in resource management. With continued focus on innovation, awareness, and community involvement, the district is paving the way for a sustainable and water-secure future for generations to come.
