Addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 on Wednesday, Droupadi Murmu emphasised the significance of water conservation and community involvement in guaranteeing sustainable water management.
The President stated that water is not just an essential resource in India but also has profound ties to the country’s history, customs, and way of life. Long distances were required for locals, especially women and children, to reach drinking water for a long time, she said, mentioning rural areas in particular.
Murmu mentioned the Jal Jeevan Mission, a programme that has greatly enhanced rural households’ access to safe drinking water by supplying them with functioning tap connections.
Noting that families who previously had trouble obtaining water now had access to clean water at home, she added, “Providing clean water is not only a matter of convenience; it is linked to time, health and dignity.”
In order to effectively conserve natural resources, the president stressed that the government and communities must work together.
She stated that programmes like Jal Arpan Diwas would enhance water management at the grassroots level and foster community ownership by transferring water delivery infrastructure to gram panchayats.
Murmu further emphasised the significance of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in bolstering water-related projects, such as water testing and maintenance operations in various areas.
In addition, she emphasised the significance of a unified strategy to improve water availability, referencing the Swachh Bharat Mission’s measures to encourage rural greywater management and the Central Groundwater Board’s groundwater recharge programmes.
‘Catch the Rain’ and ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ are two nationwide efforts that the president mentioned. These initiatives aim to collect rainwater and get the people involved in water conservation.
Water is a precious resource, and she emphasised the need for treating it as such and finding ways to conserve it in everyday life, especially among the younger generation.
From March 8th to the 22nd, 2026, the Ministry of Jal Shakti will be holding Jal Mahotsav 2026 as a statewide campaign to enhance community ownership and public engagement in rural drinking water supplies through the Jal Jeevan Mission.
