President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday urged citizens to make water conservation an integral part of their lives while addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi.
Speaking at the event, the President said that in India water is deeply connected to culture, traditions and community life, and stressed that sustainable management of the resource requires collective responsibility.
President Murmu highlighted the transformative impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched to provide safe drinking water to rural households. She noted that for decades many villagers, particularly women and children, had to travel long distances to fetch water, affecting their time, health and dignity.
“Villagers who once struggled to access drinking water now have access to clean and safe water in their own homes,” she said.
The President emphasised that water conservation becomes more sustainable when communities take ownership of resources. She said the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, which marks the handover of water supply infrastructure to village panchayats, would strengthen community participation in water management.
She also praised the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in water testing, maintenance and operations, noting that their involvement has brought positive social changes and empowered women in rural areas.
President Murmu underlined the need for coordinated and multi-pronged efforts to ensure long-term water security. She highlighted initiatives such as greywater management in rural areas through the Swachh Bharat Mission and groundwater recharge efforts in collaboration with the Central Groundwater Board.
She also pointed to campaigns like Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari that promote rainwater harvesting and community participation in water conservation.
Calling water a priceless resource for future generations, the President urged people to treat it not merely 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, adding that awareness among the younger generation will play a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s water resources.
The Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign from March 8 to 22, is organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to strengthen community participation and public ownership in rural drinking water services under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
