Odisha wins best state in 5th National Water Awards

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha won the first prize in the Best State category of the 5th National Water Awards 2023, announced by Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil, in New Delhi on Monday. The state also received three other prizes in different categories of this award.

While Uttar Pradesh got the second prize, Gujarat and Puducherry jointly secured the third position. Each award winner will be conferred with a citation and a trophy, as well as cash prizes in certain categories. The awards are distributed to create awareness among the people about the importance of water and to motivate them to adopt the best water usage practices, said the official sources.

According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Odisha made significant progress in water conservation activities, including the construction of around 53,000 water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures, 10,800 reuse and recharge structures, renovation of 11,000 traditional water bodies, 68,700 watershed developments, and 21,000 wastewater treatment plants.

The state renovated about 1,800 km of drainage channels, resulting in the retrieval of around 39,000 hectares of agricultural land from waterlogging. Over 90,900 hectares of irrigated area transformed from conventional to micro-irrigation of sprinkler and drip systems, benefiting about 87,000 farmers. Nine crore intensive afforestation was completed in the state. Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiari Yojana was implemented for the development of check dams and minor irrigation.

Under the Best District category, Balangir became the East Zone winner. While Puri was adjudged the second winner in the Best Urban Local Body category, Khairbani Ashram School at Baisinga in Mayurbhanj district became the third winner under the Best School or College category.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22 in New Delhi. The awards will be conferred to 38 winners, including joint winners in nine categories.