New Delhi, March 09, 2026: The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Jal Mahotsav 2026, a nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening community participation in rural drinking water management and promoting water conservation under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The campaign commenced with the observance of Jal Arpan Diwas across the country on the occasion of International Women’s Day, which was marked as “Sujalam Shakti Diwas.”
Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Paatil marked the Shubharambh of Jal Mahotsav 2026 from Village Rahej in Gandevi Block of Navsari district, Gujarat, where rural drinking water assets were formally handed over to Gram Panchayats to strengthen community ownership and management of water infrastructure.
Simultaneously, Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna participated in Jal Arpan celebrations at Karli village in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, while Minister of State Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary joined the programme from Kudhni Block in Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, marking the beginning of nationwide activities.
Jal Mahotsav 2026, organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), will be observed from 8 March to 22 March 2026, with activities across villages, districts and states. The campaign aims to promote community ownership of rural drinking water systems and encourage water conservation practices under the tagline “गाँव का उत्सव, देश का महोत्सव.”
During the launch programme in Navsari, Shri C. R. Paatil interacted with villagers, women members of water quality testing groups and local representatives. Exhibition stalls showcasing initiatives under the Jal Jeevan Mission were also set up, including demonstrations on the use of Field Testing Kits (FTKs) for water quality monitoring.
Addressing the gathering, Shri C. R. Paatil congratulated women on International Women’s Day and acknowledged their growing role in water governance. He highlighted that more than 24 lakh women are actively involved in water quality testing using Field Testing Kits across the country. He also emphasised the importance of ‘Jal Sanchay’, urging citizens to promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and responsible water use.
As part of the programme, Jal Bandhan activities were conducted at village water infrastructure sites, where sacred threads were tied to symbolise the community’s commitment to protecting local water systems. A Kalash Poojan ceremony and Jal Sankalp pledge were also organised, reaffirming collective responsibility for sustainable water management.
Similar programmes were held in Maharashtra and Bihar, where ministers participated in community events including Jal Walks, Jal Chaupal dialogues, water quality testing demonstrations and recognition of community volunteers, SHG members and pump operators engaged in maintaining rural water systems.
Jal Mahotsav will be organised at four levels — National, State, District and Gram Panchayat — to strengthen coordination and participation in rural water governance. A National Mega Event will be held on 11 March 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu to recognise grassroots water leaders. The campaign will conclude on 22 March, World Water Day, with nationwide Jal Arpan ceremonies.
Through this initiative, the government aims to deepen Jan Bhagidari through Gram Panchayats and promote sustainable water management practices, contributing to the vision of Sujal Gram and Viksit Bharat.
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