Pani Boao–Pani Uggao Campaign | 19 Nov 2025
Why in News?
Mohan Chandra Kandpal, a chemistry teacher from Almora district in Uttarakhand, has become the first person from the state to receive a National Water Award, at the 6th edition of the awards.
He won the prize in the “Best Individual in the Water Sector (North Zone)” category.
Key Points
- The “Pani Boao–Pani Uggao” (“Sow Water–Grow Water”) mobilised community involvement, especially women and children, across the regions of Bageshwar and Almora districts.
- It addresses serious problems of spring-drying, water shortage and distress migration in Himalayan districts, which are vulnerable to climate change and deforestation.
- More than 5,000 traditional water-harvesting structures (khals and chaals) have been built, and 27 previously dried water sources were revived.
National Water Awards
- The National Water Awards were first introduced in 2018 by the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
- The National Water Awards aim to promote exemplary work in water conservation, efficient water management, and sustainable water resource practices across India.
- In the 6th edition of awards, Maharashtra received first prize in the Best State category, followed by Gujarat in second, and Haryana in third.
- In the Best Urban Local Body (ULB) category, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (Maharashtra) secured first place for its exemplary work in water-management.