The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, will organise “Jal Mahotsav 2026”, a nationwide campaign from 8 March to 22 March 2026. The campaign is aimed at strengthening Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) and community ownership in rural drinking water service delivery under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
These recognitions aim to institutionalise excellence, encourage sustainable management practices, and highlight grassroots champions as national role models in community-led drinking water governance.
About Jal Mahotsav
- Objective: It seeks to promote
- Community-led water governance
- Sustainable management of rural drinking water systems
- Greater public awareness about water conservation
- Duration
- Campaign Duration: 8 March – 22 March 2026
- Start Date: International Women’s Day (8 March)
- End Date: World Water Day (22 March)
- It aims to connect policy dialogue at the national level with grassroots action at the village level.
Key Stakeholders Involved:
- It will bring together multiple stakeholders including Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Youth volunteers, Academic institutions, Development partners and Local communities
- These stakeholders will work collectively to advance the vision of “Sujal Gram” (water-secure villages) and sustainable rural drinking water governance.
Women’s Participation:
- The campaign will begin on 8 March 2026, recognising the critical role played by women in water governance under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Women’s participation has been central to the success of rural water supply management through:
- Community monitoring
- Participation in VWSCs
- Household-level water management.
National Mega Event:
- It will be organised on 11 March 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the presence of the President of India.
- During the event, the President will recognise distinguished grassroots leaders under the Jal Jeevan Missionfor their exemplary contributions in
- Strengthening rural drinking water governance
- Ensuring the sustainable management of piped water supply systems.