The Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a ‘Samvad Samaroh’ and recognition programme for WaSH Warriors at the PSOI, New Delhi today. The event honoured individuals who have demonstrated leadership in water conservation and sanitation at the grassroots level. These WaSH Warriors have worked closely with local communities to address water and sanitation challenges by promoting inclusive and equitable solutions. Their efforts reflect the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and community ownership that underpins the flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

As part of this national recognition, 58 WaSH Warriors nominated by States and Union Territories under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) participated in the programme today and attended the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026 as Special Guests.

The selected WaSH Warriors were drawn from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages, including rural households, poor and marginalised communities, Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) majority villages, and vulnerable tribal groups. A Swachh Sujal Gaon is a village that is Har Ghar Jal certified under the Jal Jeevan Mission and ODF Plus Model verified under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). The representatives showcased community-led progress in drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene across rural India.

During the Samvad Samaroh, the WaSH Warriors interacted with the Hon’ble Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, in the presence of the Hon’ble Ministers of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary. The event was also attended by senior officers of the Ministry, including the Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, and the Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital amongst others.

Several WaSH Warriors shared their experiences from the field. Shri Motilal from Bijrakchhar village in Chhattisgarh spoke about the challenges faced before the Jal Jeevan Mission, when access to drinking water was limited. He shared that the availability of clean tap water in every household has saved time, improved health outcomes, and brought positive changes in the quality of life, particularly for women.

WaSH warrior from Chhattisgarh

He also highlighted his efforts in spreading awareness on water conservation and safe water practices within the community.

 

WaSH warrior from Gujarat

Shri Amrutbhai Parmar from Timbachudi village in Gujarat spoke about the systems developed under the Jal Jeevan Mission, including model wells created to ensure sustainable water supply for rural households. He shared his experience of working with the community on water supply initiatives and the recognition received for these efforts at the district level.

 

Smt Lentsothsi from Tutheyo village in Nagaland shared how her life has improved since the onset of JJM. Earlier, she would wake up at 4 a.m. to fetch water and manage household chores. With the availability of clean tap water, she now has more time at home, and there has been a noticeable improvement in children’s health, including a reduction in cases of diarrhoea.

Ms Nijuma Devi from Kendukuchi village in Assam spoke about the WaSH-related work being undertaken in her village. She shared that earlier, children frequently fell ill, and women had to put in significant effort to manage daily water needs. With the availability of clean and good-quality water, health outcomes have improved. She also spoke about her work in promoting sustainable habits among children and the community, including cleanliness, water conservation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Union Minister congratulated the WaSH Warriors for their efforts and encouraged them to continue adopting innovative practices in water conservation, water management, and sanitation. He emphasised that Swachhata is not merely a slogan but a way of life and a collective responsibility. He highlighted the impact of the Jal Jeevan Mission, noting that it has benefited over 9.5 crore women by reducing the burden of fetching water and saving an estimated 4.5 crore hours of women’s time, which can now be used for family and personal well-being. He also underlined the positive impact of tap water connections on women’s safety.

The Hon’ble Minister spoke about initiatives to engage youth and students through campaigns such as Youth for Ganga – Youth for Yamuna, that focusses on building awareness on water conservation among school children. He stressed the importance of collective action for Jal Sanchay and responsible water use.

A JJM booklet titled “Peyjal: Jan Shakti Ki Abhivyakti – Volume II” was disseminated to the audience that captures the stories of these WaSH Warriors highlighting their grassroots leadership in ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water.

On 25^th January 2026- The special guests visited the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya and interacted with the senior officers of DDWS, led by AS & MD, National Jal Jeevan Mission, Shri Kamal Kishore Soan at the Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, New Delhi.

The Special Guest invitation to the Republic Day Parade and the Samvad Samaroh acknowledge the vital role played by rural communities. Their participation reinforces the importance of Jan Bhagidari and community engagement as a core pillar of national development.

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