President emphasises water conservation at 'Jal Mahotsav'

The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced and addressed the ongoing "Jal Mahotsav 2026" in New Delhi on Wednesday, highlighting the critical role of water conservation in securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at the event, the President said water in India was not merely a basic amenity, but deeply intertwined with culture, traditions, livelihood and community life. She recalled how villagers, especially women and children, often had to walk long distances to fetch drinking water. “Providing clean water was not just a matter of convenience, it was a matter of time, health, and dignity,” she noted.

She praised the Government of India’s Jal Jeevan Mission for ensuring that rural households now have access to clean and safe drinking water, stressing that community participation is essential for sustainable water management. “When responsibility for a resource is shared by the entire society, its conservation becomes more effective,” she said.

The President welcomed initiatives like "Jal Arpan Diwas", which formalises the handover of water supply infrastructure to gram panchayats, strengthening local ownership.

The President also acknowledged the significant role of self-help groups in water testing, operations and maintenance, stating that empowering women through these groups has brought positive changes in villages. She said multi-pronged efforts, including greywater management under the Clean India Mission, collaboration with the Central Groundwater Board and campaigns like Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, are crucial to ensuring water security.

Emphasising collective responsibility, Murmu said, “Water is not merely a commodity but a priceless asset for future generations. To secure our future, we must make water conservation an integral part of our lives.” She expressed confidence that "Jal Mahotsav" will inspire a mass movement for water security across the country, particularly by engaging the younger generation.

Organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Jal Mahotsav 2026 is a nationwide campaign running from March 8 to March 22, aimed at strengthening community participation in rural drinking water service delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission.