India's Water Crisis: President Murmu Urges Collective Action for Long-Term Security
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President Droupadi Murmu has sounded the alarm on India's growing water crisis, calling for collective action to ensure long-term water security. Speaking at the sixth National Water Awards, she emphasized the need to treat water as a 'sacred and finite national resource.' The President noted that while India has made significant progress in expanding household tap water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission, responsible usage is essential to sustain this progress. India's water resources are under increasing stress due to climate change, which is disrupting the water cycle and intensifying pressure on already limited water supplies. The President urged citizens, institutions, and governments to work together to ensure water availability and security, and to adopt measures that promote a circular water economy, strengthen reuse and recycling, and preserve groundwater. The National Water Awards, instituted in 2018, recognize and reward best practices in water conservation, innovation, and efficient use. This year's winners include 46 individuals and organizations across 10 categories. Maharashtra topped the list of states, while Rajnandgaon, Khargone, Mirzapur, Tirunelveli, and Sepahijala districts secured the best district awards in their respective zones. The President's message was clear: 'We must deposit before withdrawing' – recharge local sources to sustainably draw from them. 'Families who use tap water wisely are safe from economic problems. Communities that use water wisely will always be safe from water shortages.' She called for 'lifelong water stewardship,' reminding that India's water heritage is deeply connected to its cultural identity.
