New Delhi: The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs recently announced the inaugural Pey Jal Survekshan Awards ceremony, scheduled for March 5th, 2024, at Vigyan Bhawan. President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the event, recognising cities and states for their achievements in the water sector.
A total of 130 awards will be presented, covering various categories, including Pey Jal Gold, Silver, and Bronze City Awards. These awards, which signify excellence in different population categories (1 to 10 Lakh, 10 to 40 Lakh, and More than 40 Lakh).
The award will be complemented by commendations for Best Water Body, Sustainability Champion, Reuse Champion, Water Quality, City Saturation, and the AMRUT 2.0 Rotating Trophy of the Year. The assessment, conducted across 485 cities under AMRUT 2.0, evaluated parameters such as access, coverage, water quality, and sustainability.
The event will gather over 1,500 awardees and participants, coinciding with the launch of the AMRUT Mitra initiative. This initiative aims to involve women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in urban water management, empowering them as key contributors to household water management and promoting inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The Pey Jal Survekshan, which involved independent NABL lab testing and comprehensive evaluation, collected data through a GIS-enabled web portal, geo-tagging, and infrastructure mapping. With inputs from 5 lakh households and assessments in over a thousand facilities, the survey prioritised transparency and accuracy.
The results of the Pey Jal Survekshan are expected to influence Urban Local Body (ULB) decision-making, improve service delivery, and enhance citizen engagement in water conservation efforts.
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