Uttar Pradesh has once again proven its leadership in sustainable development, clinching top honours at the Sixth National Water Awards 2024. The state emerged as a national model for effective water management under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s flagship mission “Har Ghar Nal, Har Khet Ko Pani.”
While Mirzapur bagged the title of Best District (Northern Zone) for its exemplary rural water conservation initiatives, Agra Municipal Corporation earned a joint third place in the Best Urban Local Body category for its pioneering urban water reuse and smart monitoring systems.
These achievements mark a major milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s journey toward ensuring water security, equitable distribution, and public participation in conservation.
Mirzapur: The Model District for Rural Water Conservation
In Mirzapur, water conservation has evolved from a policy into a public movement. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission and Atal Bhujal Yojana, the district administration, panchayats, and youth volunteers have revitalized reservoirs, constructed new drainage channels, and expanded irrigation networks in rural areas.
Several villages have witnessed a sharp rise in groundwater levels through sustained rainwater harvesting, pond rejuvenation, and community-driven maintenance projects. Mirzapur’s model demonstrates how coordinated local participation and scientific planning can transform water-stressed regions into self-sufficient ecosystems.
Agra: Leading Urban Water Management Innovations
The Agra Municipal Corporation has emerged as a pioneer in urban water governance. Its initiatives include:
◆Recycling treated wastewater from Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for parks, green belts, and industrial use
◆Leak detection systems and smart metering to minimize water loss
◆Household water supply expansion through the Har Ghar Nal Yojana
These steps have significantly improved Agra’s water efficiency and sustainability, positioning it as a benchmark city for other municipalities across India.
A Statewide People’s Movement for Water Security
Over the past eight and a half years, CM Yogi’s administration has converted water conservation into a Jan Andolan (mass movement). Regular reviews and inter-departmental coordination have ensured consistent progress under flagship programs like Har Ghar Jal, Har Khet Ko Pani, and Atal Bhujal Yojana.
Key outcomes include:
●Revival of traditional water bodies, ponds, and hand pumps
●Access to clean tap water in all 75 districts
●Pilot villages offering round-the-clock safe drinking water
●River rejuvenation projects to restore ecological balance
“Every drop of water counts,” CM Yogi Adityanath often reiterates — a philosophy now earning national recognition.
National Recognition and the Road Ahead
Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil announced the winners in New Delhi, highlighting the role of innovation and public engagement in shaping India’s water-secure future. Out of 751 entries nationwide, only 46 were selected, with Uttar Pradesh standing tall among them.
The awards ceremony will be held on November 18, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where President Droupadi Murmu will felicitate the winners.
Uttar Pradesh’s success story in water conservation reflects a blend of governance, grassroots participation, and technological innovation—a model that the rest of India can emulate to ensure sustainable water management for generations to come.
