President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called on citizens to make water conservation an integral part of daily life while addressing the Jal Mahotsav 2026 in New Delhi. She emphasised that in India, water is deeply intertwined with culture, tradition, and community life, and stressed that sustainable management of the resource requires collective responsibility.

Highlighting the impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, the President noted that the initiative has transformed rural access to safe drinking water. For decades, villagers, particularly women and children, had to travel long distances to fetch water, affecting their health, time, and dignity. “Villagers who once struggled to access drinking water now have access to clean and safe water in their own homes,” she said.

President Murmu underlined that sustainable water conservation is strengthened when communities take ownership of resources. She cited the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, which marks the handover of water supply infrastructure to village panchayats, as a means to enhance community participation in water management. She also praised Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for their role in water testing, maintenance, and operations, noting that their involvement has empowered women and driven positive social change in rural areas.

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The President called for coordinated, multi-pronged efforts to ensure long-term water security. She highlighted greywater management initiatives in rural areas under the Swachh Bharat Mission and groundwater recharge programs in collaboration with the Central Groundwater Board. Additionally, she pointed to campaigns like Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, which promote rainwater harvesting and community engagement in water conservation.

President Murmu stressed that water is a priceless resource for future generations and urged citizens to view it as a shared national asset rather than merely a commodity. “To secure our future, we must make water conservation an integral part of our lives,” she said, adding that awareness among younger generations will be vital in safeguarding India’s water resources.

Jal Mahotsav 2026, running from March 8 to 22, is a nationwide campaign organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The initiative aims to strengthen community participation and promote public ownership in rural drinking water services under the Jal Jeevan Mission, reflecting the government’s push for sustainable water management across the country.

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