Kumar Bahukhandi
IN Short
*President Draupadi Murmu honored 12 districts of the Chhattisgarh in New Delhi
*These award will inspire us to strengthen our efforts toward ensuring a secure water future for our state: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Raipur: Marking a major milestone in water conservation and community-driven initiatives, 12 Chhattisgarh districts — Raipur, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Rajnandgaon, Balodabazar-Bhatapara, Dhamtari, Balod, Balrampur, Bilaspur, Raigarh, Durg and Surajpur — have made their mark on the national stage.
At a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu felicitated these districts during the 6th National Water Awards and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 Awards on Tuesday November 18, 2025 .
As a result of the leadership and sensitive administrative efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh has earned a special recognition across the country in the field of water conservation. In the last two years, the state government’s innovative efforts and public participation have achieved new heights in water conservation.
The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the citizens and district administrations of these districts. “This increased public awareness of water conservation will promote proper water use. This award will inspire us to strengthen our efforts toward ensuring a secure water future for our state,” said Sai.
Raipur district has been honored for its outstanding work in the Jal Sanchaay Janbhagidari Abhiyan (Water Conservation Public Participation Campaign). Among municipal corporations across the country, Raipur Municipal Corporation secured the first position, while Raipur district ranked third in the Eastern Zone Category 01.
Together, Raipur district and the municipal corporation turned community participation into a large-scale water conservation campaign. Raipur Municipal Corporation carried out 33,082 works, and the district administration completed 36,282 works.
Rajnandgaon district secured the first position in the National Water Awards under the East Zone and the second position in Public Participation Category 01, for which it received an incentive amount of ₹2 crore. A total of 58,967 water conservation works were completed here through public participation. Balod district secured the first position in Category 01 for Best Performing District and was also awarded ₹2 crore in incentive. In Balod, 92,742 new water structures were constructed.
Mahasamund district was honored with the first position in Category 2, where 35,182 water structures were built. Balodabazar–Bhatapara district secured the second position under Category 2 and received a prize of ₹1 crore. A total of 30,927 structures were constructed here.
Gariaband district achieved the third position nationwide in Category 2 and received an incentive of ₹1 crore. Here, 26,025 works for improved maintenance of surface water were carried out.
Bilaspur district secured the first position in Category 03 and received a prize of ₹25 lakh. A total of 21,058 water structures were constructed here. Durg district ranked 16th in Category 03 and received an incentive of ₹25 lakh. Here, 5,010 water conservation projects were completed. Balrampur district was honored with the 6th position in Category 03 and received an incentive of ₹25 lakh, with 8,644 water conservation projects completed.
Dhamtari district received the 8th position in Category 03 and was awarded ₹25 lakh, completing 7,674 conservation projects. Raigarh district was honored with the second position in Category 03 and received ₹25 lakh, completing 19,088 water conservation projects. Surajpur district secured the 12th position in Category 03, received ₹25 lakh, and completed 5,797 water conservation projects.
