THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, MARCH 11, 2026
“To secure our future, we must make water
conservation an integral part of our lives,” said the President of India,
Droupadi Murmu, while gracing and addressing the ‘Jal Mahotsav 2026’ in New
Delhi on Wednesday.
Speaking on the
occasion, the President said that in India, water is not just a basic amenity
but is deeply linked to the country’s culture, traditions, livelihood and
community life. For decades, villagers, especially women and children, had to
travel long distances to fetch drinking water. Providing clean water was not
merely a matter of convenience but also of time, health and dignity. To address
these long-standing challenges, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan
Mission. Today, villagers who once struggled to access drinking water are able
to receive clean and safe water directly in their homes.
The President further
stated that when responsibility for a vital resource like water is shared not
only by the government but by the entire society, conservation becomes more
effective and sustainable. She emphasized that community ownership plays a
crucial role in water management and conservation. Expressing confidence in the
initiative of celebrating ‘Jal Arpan Diwas’ — the formal handover of water
supply infrastructure to gram panchayats — she said that such efforts will
strengthen the spirit of community ownership and encourage people to safeguard
local water resources.
The President also
expressed happiness over the increasing participation of Self-Help Groups in
water testing, operations and maintenance activities. She noted that across the
country there are numerous examples where the dedication and commitment of
Self-Help Groups have brought positive changes to the lives of women and
communities. She expressed confidence that harnessing the immense potential of
women through these groups would prove highly beneficial in strengthening water
security in the country.
Highlighting the
importance of coordinated action, the President said that multi-pronged and
collaborative efforts are essential for ensuring water security. She
appreciated the promotion of greywater management in rural areas through
convergence with the Swachh Bharat Mission. Efforts are also underway for
groundwater recharge and water conservation in collaboration with the Central
Ground Water Board and other related organisations. Nationwide initiatives such
as Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari are playing a vital role in
encouraging rainwater harvesting and public participation. She noted that such
coordinated initiatives would significantly contribute to long-term water
security.
The President stressed that water conservation is a collective responsibility and urged citizens to view water not merely as a commodity but as a priceless asset for future generations. She emphasised that raising awareness among the younger generation about water management and conservation would play a key role in ensuring the country’s water security in the years ahead. Expressing optimism, she said that ‘Jal Mahotsav’ would evolve into a powerful mass movement dedicated to safeguarding India’s water resources.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti is organising Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign from March 8 to March 22 aimed at strengthening public participation and community ownership in rural drinking water service delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
