Odisha Wins Best State in National Water Awards 2023

Odisha has been awarded the top prize in the 5th National Water Awards 2023, recognizing its exemplary contributions to water conservation, including the construction of over 53,000 water conservation structures and the establishment of 21,000 wastewater treatment plants, which transformed 90,900 hectares of land to benefit 87,000 farmers. Uttar Pradesh secured second place, praised for its Jal Jeevan Mission efforts that provided tap water to over 17,900 villages and constructed 133 sewage treatment plants. Gujarat and Puducherry shared the third position, with Gujarat achieving 100% tap water connections for households and Puducherry recognized for renovating tanks and implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. The awards, announced by Union Minister C R Patil, will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on October 22. The initiative aims to promote sustainable water management practices across India, with a total of 38 winners across nine categories announced. Balangir in Odisha was also recognized as the Best District in the East Zone.