President Murmu Calls for Water Conservation at Jal Mahotsav 2026

• President Droupadi Murmu addresses Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi
• Calls for water conservation to become part of everyday life
• Highlights impact of Jal Jeevan Mission in rural households
• Emphasises role of communities and Self-Help Groups in water management

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th March: President Droupadi Murmu on Wedesday called for making water conservation an integral part of daily life while addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 event in the national capital.

Speaking at the programme, the President said that water in India is not merely a basic necessity but is deeply connected to the country’s culture, traditions, livelihood and community life.

She noted that for decades, many villagers—particularly women and children—had to travel long distances to fetch drinking water, making access to clean water an issue of health, dignity and time.

To address these challenges, she highlighted the role of the Jal Jeevan Mission, which has expanded access to safe drinking water for rural households across the country.

“Villagers who once struggled to access drinking water now have clean and safe water available in their homes,” the President said.

Murmu emphasised that water conservation becomes more effective when society shares responsibility along with the government. She said community ownership plays a vital role in ensuring sustainable water management.

The President expressed confidence that the celebration of ‘Jal Arpan Diwas’, which formally hands over water supply infrastructure to Gram Panchayats, would strengthen community participation and responsibility.

Highlighting the role of women, she said Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been actively involved in water testing, operations and maintenance of rural water systems.

“There are numerous examples where the dedication of Self-Help Groups has brought positive changes in the lives of women and communities,” she said, adding that empowering women through SHGs can play an important role in ensuring water security.

Murmu also stressed the need for multi-pronged and coordinated efforts to strengthen water security in the country.

She noted that greywater management is being promoted in rural areas through coordination with the Clean India Mission, while efforts are also underway to strengthen groundwater recharge and conservation through the Central Groundwater Board and other institutions.

Campaigns such as Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari are also playing an important role in promoting rainwater harvesting and sustainable water use, she added.

The President underlined that water must not be treated merely as a commodity but as a precious resource for future generations.

“To secure our future, we must make water conservation an integral part of our lives,” she said, stressing that awareness among the younger generation will be crucial for ensuring India’s long-term water security.

Murmu expressed confidence that Jal Mahotsav would evolve into a mass movement for water conservation in India.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is organising Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign running from March 8 to March 22, aimed at strengthening public participation and community ownership in rural drinking water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission.