Odisha Wins Best State Award at 2023 National Water Awards

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has secured the first position in the Best State category at the 5th National Water Awards 2023.

The winners were announced by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi.

A total of 38 winners across nine categories were selected by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The awards, chosen from 686 entries, underwent thorough evaluation by a jury committee, with ground verification conducted by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB).

The award distribution ceremony is scheduled for October 22 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu attending as the Chief Guest.

In addition to Odisha, Uttar Pradesh secured second place, while Gujarat and Puducherry shared third.

Odisha also excelled in other categories, with Balangir named the Best District in the East Zone, Puri winning the Best Urban Local Body Award, and Khairbani Ashram School in Mayurbhanj recognised as the Best School.