{"id":21447,"date":"2026-03-10T13:00:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T07:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=21447"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:00:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T07:30:45","slug":"jal-mahotsav-2026-marks-the-beginning-with-nationwide-observance-of-jal-arpan-diwas-coinciding-with-international-womens-day-observed-as-sujalam-shakti-diwas-across-the-co","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/?p=21447","title":{"rendered":"Jal Mahotsav 2026 marks the beginning with Nationwide Observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, coinciding with International Women\u2019s Day, observed as \u201cSujalam Shakti Diwas\u201d across the country."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jal Mahotsav 2026 marks the beginning with Nationwide Observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, coinciding with International Women\u2019s Day, observed as \u201cSujalam Shakti Diwas\u201d across the country.<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n


\nUnion Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, marks the Shubharambh of Jal Mahotsav 2026 from Navsari, Gujarat.<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Minister of State for Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, graces Jal Arpan celebrations in Karli village, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra & Minister of State for Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri R.B Choudhary, participates in Jal Arpan celebrations from Kudhni, Muzaffarpur, Bihar.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nationwide Campaign Strengthens Jan Bhagidari Through Gram Panchayat and Advances the Vision of Sujal Gram<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Posted On: 08 MAR 2026 7:16PM by PIB Delhi<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

On \u00a0the occasion of International Women\u2019s Day, the\u00a0Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Paatil, marked the Shubharambh of Jal Mahotsav 2026,\u00a0a nationwide campaign of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, from Village Rahej in Gandevi Block of Navsari district, Gujarat, with the observance of\u00a0Jal Arpan Diwas, symbolising\u00a0handing over of drinking water assets to the Gram Panchayat\u00a0to strengthen community ownership of rural drinking water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The shuharambh of Jal Mahotsav coincides with\u00a0International Women\u2019s Day, observed as \u201cSujalam Shakti Diwas.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While the\u00a0Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, participated in the programme from Village Panchayat Parulebajar, Karli village, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, and\u00a0Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary,\u00a0joined the Jal Mahotsav programme from Fakuli Panchayat, Kudhani Block, Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, marking the beginning of nationwide activities across States and districts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign initiated by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, is being observed across the country from\u00a08 March to 22 March 2026\u00a0with the objective of strengthening community participation in rural drinking water management and promoting water conservation under the Jal Jeevan Mission.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jal Mahotsav campaign will be observed annually from 8th<\/sup>\u00a0to 22nd<\/sup>\u00a0March.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The campaign is being observed under the\u00a0tagline \u201c\u0917\u093e\u0901\u0935\u00a0\u0915\u093e\u00a0\u0909\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0935,\u00a0\u0926\u0947\u0936\u00a0\u0915\u093e\u00a0\u092e\u0939\u094b\u0924\u094d\u0938\u0935\u201d,\u00a0highlighting that community-led efforts at the village level contribute to a nationwide movement for sustainable water management. The shubharambh marked the beginning of nationwide activities under Jal Mahotsav, with programmes being organised across villages, districts and States to promote community ownership of rural drinking water systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The programme began at Navsari with the arrival and welcome of the Hon\u2019ble Union Minister, Shri C.R Paatil by village women, GP functionaries and students at the respective locations He visited exhibition stalls set up by various departments, including those showcasing initiatives under Jal Jeevan Mission, and interacted with women members of water quality testing groups demonstrating the use of Field Testing Kits (FTKs). This was followed by the observance of Jal Arpan ceremonies, marking the formal handing over of rural drinking water supply schemes to Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"A<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The events also included symbolic\u00a0Jal Bandhan\u00a0activities at village water infrastructure sites, where he tied sacred threads to reaffirm the community\u2019s commitment to protecting and maintaining village water systems, thereby strengthening community ownership of rural drinking water services.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Central Ministers also interacted with villagers regarding the availability of drinking water and the functioning of village water supply systems, highlighting the importance of community participation in ensuring the sustainability of rural drinking water services.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister of Jal Shakti,\u00a0Shri C. R. Paatil, congratulated women on the occasion of\u00a0International Women\u2019s Day\u00a0and\u00a0acknowledged their growing leadership in water governance. He highlighted the transformative impact of the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission in improving health, dignity and quality of life in rural India. He said that more than 24 lakh women are actively engaged in water quality testing using Field Test Kits (FTKs). Emphasizing the importance of \u2018Jal Sanchay\u2019, he called upon citizens to promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and responsible use of water, and encouraged people across the country to actively participate in Jal Mahotsav to strengthen the movement for water conservation.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shri Ishvarsingh Patel, Hon\u2019ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Narmada Water Resources and Water Supply, Government of Gujarat,\u00a0shared the State\u2019s perspective on strengthening water supply systems and community participation during the occasion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The gathering was also addressed by\u00a0Shri Nareshbhai Patel, Hon\u2019ble Minister for Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage and Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary & Mission Director,\u00a0National Jal Jeevan Mission, DDWS, accompanied Union Minister Shri Paatil during the\u00a0Shubharambh<\/em>\u00a0of Jal Mahotsav at Navsari.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

During the programme,\u00a0a Kalash Poojan\u00a0ceremony was performed by the dignitaries, symbolising respect for water and the collective commitment towards water conservation and responsible water management.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A\u00a0short film on the occasion of International Women\u2019s Day\u00a0observed as Sujalam Shakti Diwas was screened highlighting efforts undertaken to strengthen rural water supply systems. The short film was screened portraying women at the centre of the Jal Jeevan Mission and highlighting how access to tap water connections has reduced the burden of fetching water, empowering women and strengthening rural households.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The programme also included\u00a0recognition and felicitation of community contributors, including Self Help Group (SHG) members, Village Water and Sanitation Committee members, youth volunteers, village women doing water quality testing and pump operators, who have played an important role in the operation and maintenance of rural drinking water systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This was followed by a\u00a0Jal Sankalp\u00a0pledge, where villagers collectively reaffirmed their commitment towards water conservation and responsible management of drinking water infrastructure. Through Jal Arpan ceremony the drinking water supply assets are handedover to GP, representing strengthened community ownership of rural drinking water supply systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Similar Jal Mahotsav programmes are organised simultaneously in Maharashtra and Bihar observing Jal Arpan. In Karli village of Parulebazar GP, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra,\u00a0Shri V. Somanna, MoS, Ministry of Jal Shakti\u00a0participated in Jal Mahotsav activities including Jal Walk, community interactions, Jal Pujan, Jal Bandhan, at village water infrastructure sites, at the event site Jal Sringar, demonstrations on water quality testing using Field Test Kits, Jal Sankalp, Tree Pujan and recognition of community\u00a0viz.\u00a0<\/em>SHG members, VWSC, masons, youth volunteers and Pump Operators are done along with awareness programmes on water security.\u00a0Shri Nitesh Rane,\u00a0Minister of Fisheries and Ports, Government of Maharashtra (Guardian minister of Sindhudurg),\u00a0Shri Deepak Kesarkar, MLA, Shawantwadi Constituency\u00a0also joined the event. \u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

During the celebration\u00a0Shri V. Somanna, MoS, Ministry of Jal Shakti\u00a0drank water directly from the tap and in his address, he shared that the test of water is so good, and the quality is maintained under JJM that we can drink it directly because the water is being treated before supply. He appreciated the community and urged to work for rainwater harvesting.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In Muzaffarpur district, Bihar,\u00a0Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary,\u00a0MoS, Ministry of Jal Shakti\u00a0joined villagers in Jal Mahotsav events including Jal Chaupal dialogues, Jal Bandhan, Jal Sapath, discussions on Jal Seva Aankalan and recognition of women pump operators and community members engaged in maintaining rural drinking water systems.\u00a0Shri Kedar Prasad Gupta, Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly,\u00a0also joined the event.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Addressing the gathering\u00a0in Muzaffarpur, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti,\u00a0Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, appreciated the enthusiastic participation of local\u00a0Matri Shakti<\/em>\u00a0and highlighted the important role of women in strengthening water governance and community-led water management. He said the Jal Mahotsav initiative aims to promote\u00a0Jan Bhagidari<\/em>\u00a0through Gram Panchayat and encourage water conservation practices. Highlighting the transformative impact of Jal Jeevan Mission, he said that the expansion of tap water connections in rural households has improved health, dignity and quality of life, particularly by reducing the burden on women who earlier spent long hours fetching water. Emphasising the need for responsible water use, he called upon citizens to actively participate in water conservation and ensure the sustainability of rural drinking water systems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Across the country, Jal Mahotsav programmes are being organised at village, district and State levels, featuring Jal Arpan, community awareness rallies, Jal Chaupal dialogues, demonstrations on water quality testing using Field Test Kits, water source sustainability pledges, and recognition of community volunteers, Self Help Groups and Village Water and Sanitation Committee members engaged in managing rural drinking water systems.\u00a0Senior officials of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), including Area Officers and Deputy Advisors, also joined Jal Arpan Diwas celebrations from different parts of the country, marking the nationwide observance of the\u00a0Shubharambh<\/em>\u00a0of Jal Mahotsav 2026.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In several districts, programmes are also highlighting women\u2019s leadership in water management, including recognition of women pump operators and women representatives of village water committees, who play an important role in ensuring reliable drinking water services at the grassroots level.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jal Mahotsav will be organised at four levels \u2014 National, State, District and Gram Panchayat \u2014 to strengthen coordinated action and community participation in rural drinking water management.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At the\u00a0National level, programmes promoting\u00a0inter-ministerial convergence\u00a0will be undertaken during the campaign period. A\u00a0National Level Mega Event\u00a0will be organised on\u00a011 March 2026\u00a0at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the\u00a0gracious presence of the Hon\u2019ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu,\u00a0to recognise grassroots water leaders. The campaign\u00a0will culminate on 22 March (World Water Day)\u00a0with nationwide Jal Arpan ceremonies.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At the\u00a0State level, States and Union Territories will organise activities such as Jal Arpan programmes, capacity building of District Training Units, orientation of district officials on Sujalam Shakti, meetings of District Water and Sanitation Missions, and convergence initiatives with line departments. States to prepare Rajya Jal Utsav\/ Nadi Utsav calendar during this period.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At the\u00a0District level, programmes will focus on orientation on Jal Arpan protocols, strengthening District Water and Sanitation Missions, and preparation of service improvement plans to enhance the sustainability of rural drinking water systems. States to support and guide GPs to prepare Lok Jal Utsav calendar during this period.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

At the\u00a0Gram Panchayat level, community-led activities such as Har Ghar Jal declarations, orientation of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs), Jal Seva Aankalan, water quality testing demonstrations in schools, and branding of drinking water assets will be organised to reinforce community ownership of village water infrastructure.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jal Mahotsav seeks to deepen\u00a0Jan Bhagidari<\/em>\u00a0through Gram Panchayat in water management and build a nationwide movement towards sustainable water use and Sujal Gram across rural India and encourages community ownership of rural drinking water systems and collective efforts towards building Sujal Gram across villages, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jal Mahotsav 2026 marks the beginning with Nationwide Observance of Jal Arpan Diwas, coinciding with International Women\u2019s Day, observed as \u201cSujalam Shakti Diwas\u201d across the country. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Paatil, marks the Shubharambh of Jal Mahotsav 2026 from Navsari, Gujarat. Minister of State for Ministry of Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21448,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21447"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21450,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21447\/revisions\/21450"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theeducationoverview.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}