7th National Water Awards 2026: Check Eligibility, Categories, and Registration Details

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has officially launched the registration process for the 7th National Water Awards 2026. It is a national initiative to recognise and incentivise work done by various stakeholders across the country in the field of water conservation, sanitation and management. 

The Award will be provided by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR). The government has opened the window for the registration process on the Central Government’s official Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (www.awards.gov.in) by August 28, 2026. 

What are the National Water Awards?

The Government of India introduced the National Water Awards in 2018. The award is established to fulfill the government’s vision of a Jal Samridh Bharat (water-prosperous India).

The seventh edition of the national award aims to continue the legacy of creating a nationwide mass movement (Jal Andolan) regarding water consciousness. 

The main objective is to motivate,  recognize and encourage exemplary work and efforts made by States, Districts and organizations to adopt a holistic approach towards managing India’s surface water and groundwater frameworks. 

Categories under the National Water Awards

The 7th National Water Awards will recognise outstanding performers in five main categories and sub-categories. The awards will be evaluated based on performance execution under the central government initiatives such as Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari, Water Resource Management and Jal Jeevan Mission. Here is the list of the categories of the national awards:

• Best State (evaluated across Water Resources Management under the sub-category, Jal Sanchay Jal Bhagidari and Jal Jeevan Mission).

• Best District ( it will be given based on the zones into 15 awards across Northern, Southern, Western, Eastern and North-Eastern zones).

• Best Urban Local Body (ULB)

• Best Implemented Project in the Water Sector ( under the sub-category; theme for 7th NWAs is Dam Safety)

• Best Industry for Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) Initiative in the water sector.

Eligibility Criteria 

The Award registration process is open to public, administrative, individuals and institutional entities within India that have achieved quantifiable milestones in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation, and overall water efficiency use. The eligible applicants include: 

• All state governments and Union Territories (UTs).

• District Administrations led by District Magistrates or collectors.

• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or Municipal Corporations.

• Industries conducting exemplary Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) operations. 

Selection and Evaluation Process for National Water Awards

The selection process for the 7th National Water Awards is multi-layered and timed to ensure impartiality and transparency. Here are the steps followed by the Ministry:

Step 1: The process starts with scrutinizing all incoming online applications and is shortlisted by a dedicated screening committee. 

Step 2:  starts with the Jury evaluation of shortlisted profiles, which are placed before an independent apex Jury Committee formed by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Step 3: Recommendation from the July are sent to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti for final approval. 

Step 4: The eventual winners will be announced and honored at a national awards ceremony, presented with their honors by the President of India or the Vice President of India. 

How to Register for the National Water Awards 2026 

Eligible stakeholders including States, Districts, individuals, organizations etc. across the country can apply for the award by adhering to the following steps:

• Visit the central Rashtriya Puraskar portal at www.awards.gov.in.

• Go to the Ongoing Awards tab on the homepage and click on National Water Awards 2026.

• Click on the registration or login option and fill out the comprehensive profiling form detailing water conservation metrics and upload valid documentation or evidence of the work.

• Review the structural data entered and click on the submit button before August 28, 2026.