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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 hydrological 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.

The Ground Water Augmentation Awards and National Water Awards were launched in the year 2007 with an objective to encourage various stakeholders including the States, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, Projects in water sector, Industry etc. for adopting innovative practices of ground water augmentation by rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge, promoting water use efficiency, recycling & re-use of water and creating awareness through people's participation in the targeted areas resulting into the sustainability of ground water resources development, adequate capacity building amongst the stakeholders etc.

Considering the fact that surface water and ground water are integral part of the water cycle, it was felt necessary to institute unified National Water Awards with the objectives of encouraging the stakeholders to adopt holistic approach towards water resources conservation and management in the country. In view of this, 1st National Water Awards (2018), 2nd National Water Awards (2019), 3rd National Water Awards (2020), 4th National Water Awards (2022), 5th National Water Awards (2023) & 6th National Water Awards (2024) were successfully organized by the Department and the winners in different categories were felicitated with awards.

With the continued focus on recognizing work done by people in the water sector and with a greater zeal to motivate more and more people to work towards water conservation and water management, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation is organizing 7th National Water Awards (2025).