North Tripura wins national honour as the Best Performing District in the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Campaign for creating 11,000+ water conservation structures. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the award, highlighting the district’s strong community participation and sustainable development efforts.
North Tripura has been honoured as the ‘Best Performing District’ in the North East & Hilly Zone under the prestigious Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Campaign of the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The recognition underscores the district’s exemplary commitment to water conservation, community participation, and sustainable resource management.
The award was formally presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during a grand felicitation ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. District Magistrate Chandni Chandran received the award and certificate on behalf of the district, marking a significant milestone in North Tripura’s development journey.
Massive Water Conservation Drive Earns National Recognition
North Tripura’s selection as the best performing district is the result of an intensive, large-scale water conservation effort carried out from February 2025 to May 2025. During this period, the district successfully created over 11,000 water conservation structures, a record-breaking achievement that demonstrates both administrative efficiency and community-driven action.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti acknowledged that North Tripura’s accomplishment stood out not only because of the sheer number of structures created but also due to the scale of public participation mobilised under the JSJB campaign.
The district effectively leveraged people’s involvement—Gram Panchayats, local clubs, community groups, youth volunteers, and NGOs—to transform the initiative into a mass movement for water security.
In recognition of this outstanding contribution, North Tripura was also awarded a cash prize of ₹2 crore, which is expected to further boost ongoing and future water conservation efforts in the district.
Strengthening Water Security Through Community Participation
The creation of over 11,000 structures marks a significant stride in strengthening long-term water security for the region. These structures include check dams, recharge pits, contour trenches, rainwater harvesting systems, pond rejuvenations, and various micro-level interventions tailored to the district’s unique hilly geography.
Officials noted that the campaign succeeded because local communities took collective ownership of the mission. Residents were not only encouraged to participate but were trained and empowered to understand the importance of water conservation in addressing recurring water scarcity issues, particularly in remote and hilly areas.
The JSJB campaign emphasizes Jan Bhagidari, or people’s participation, as the cornerstone of sustainable water management. North Tripura’s achievement is therefore a testament to how community-driven initiatives can create lasting environmental and socio-economic impact.
A Model for the North East and Hilly Regions
North Tripura’s recognition at a national forum reaffirms its position as a model district for effective implementation of central schemes in challenging terrains. The district has consistently demonstrated innovation and administrative commitment in turning policy initiatives into ground-level realities.
The Ministry applauded North Tripura for overcoming geographical challenges associated with hilly regions—such as limited accessibility, scattered habitations, and difficult soil conditions—while still ensuring time-bound execution of works at an impressive scale. The district’s planning framework, monitoring system, and convergence with line departments were highlighted as notable strengths.
District Magistrate Chandni Chandran expressed deep gratitude for the national honour, stating that the award belongs equally to the people of North Tripura. She emphasized that the achievement reflects the collective determination of local communities, government departments, field workers, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the campaign.
Boost to Sustainable Development Goals
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. North Tripura’s success is expected to motivate other Northeastern districts to adopt similar community-based water management practices.
The award also supports the district’s ongoing initiatives under Jal Jeevan Mission, watershed development projects, and natural resource management plans. The ₹2 crore prize is likely to be used to upscale innovative water conservation models and strengthen capacity-building programs across rural areas.
A Proud Moment for Tripura
The national recognition brings immense pride to Tripura, showcasing the state’s dedication to sustainable development. North Tripura’s milestone serves as an inspiration for other districts in the region, affirming that collective participation and strategic planning can transform even challenging terrains into success stories.
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