President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called on citizens to make water conservation an essential part of daily life while addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi. She emphasized that in India, water is deeply intertwined with cultural traditions and community life, and sustainable management requires collective participation.
Highlighting the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to ensure safe drinking water for rural households, President Murmu noted the transformative impact it has had. For decades, villagers—particularly women and children—had to walk long distances to fetch water, affecting their health, time, and dignity. “Villagers who once struggled to access drinking water now have clean and safe water at home,” she said, pointing to the mission’s success.
The President stressed that water conservation is most effective when communities take ownership of resources. She highlighted the importance of Jal Arpan Diwas, an event marking the handover of water infrastructure to village panchayats, as a means to strengthen local participation in water management.
President Murmu also lauded the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in testing, maintaining, and operating water systems. Their active involvement has driven positive social change while empowering rural women, making them key contributors to sustainable water management.
She emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-pronged efforts to ensure long-term water security. Initiatives such as greywater management under the Swachh Bharat Mission and groundwater recharge in partnership with the Central Groundwater Board were cited as examples. Campaigns like Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari further promote rainwater harvesting and community-driven conservation.
Calling water a priceless resource for future generations, President Murmu urged people to regard it not just as a commodity but as a shared national asset. “To secure our future, we must make water conservation an integral part of our lives,” she said, noting that awareness among the younger generation will play a vital role in safeguarding India’s water resources.
The Jal Mahotsav 2026, organized by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from March 8 to 22, aims to strengthen community involvement and public ownership in rural drinking water services under the Jal Jeevan Mission, promoting sustainable water management across the country.
