Electrosteel Jal Sevak Samman 2025 Honours Water Conservation Pioneers

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Electrosteel Jal Sevak Samman 2025, a highly anticipated award ceremony, was held for the third time by Electrosteel Castings Limited, a prominent developer of water infrastructure solutions for 60 years. This award honours the people and organisations bringing about significant change in the field of water conservation. Jal Sevak Samman 2025 has continued its tradition of honouring the heroes who tirelessly strive for sustainability, water conservation, and fair access to water throughout India. Sunil Katial, Whole Time Director & CEO, Electrosteel Castings Ltd., stated that their goal with Jal Sevak Samman is to honour and elevate the voices of unsung heroes who are bringing about positive change in the water industry. The winners this year confirm their conviction that the real paths to a future with water security are community-led initiatives, scientific advancement, teamwork, and dedication to the cause. The glamorous award function was graced by Hon'ble Justice K.G. Balakrishnan, Ex-Chief Justice of

India and the National Commission on Conversion Chairperson as Chief Guest, along with P.M. Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director, Coal India Limited, Dhriti Banerjee, Director, Zoological Survey of India, and Nelapatla Ashok Babu, Director, National Water Mission, Ministry of Jal Shakti, as guests. There were also several dignitaries, business leaders, green warriors, and community heroes in attendance. In the Individual Category, Jal Sevak Samman 2025 went to Lilabati Mahata of West Bengal for grassroots work in Jhargram, spearheading pond-based soil and water conservation to enhance irrigation, crop diversity, and farm revenues, mobilising more than 500 women in water management and enabling more than 1,250 families in 85 villages to switch to sustainable methods. Runner-up James Herenj from Jharkhand was awarded for reviving traditional water bodies and empowering tribal communities by building check dams and permanent canals, ensuring irrigation for 200 hectares, with schemes such as the Hasatu check dam and Bariatu canal serving four villages for more than ten years. Under the Organisational Category, Bihar's Aapka Anchai was awarded for designing sustainable village-level models that provide continuous water supply, enhance agriculture, and empower almost 100 rural women leaders through pond construction, ecological repair, and organic cultivation. Runner-up Adarsha from Odisha was recognised for integrated watershed management, enhancing groundwater recharge, facilitating multi-season cultivation, and supporting climate-resilient irrigation. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Simon Oraon of Jharkhand, the "Waterman of Jharkhand," for his work throughout his life constructing check dams and securing water in 51 villages, allowing multi-cropping and empowerment of the people. The awardees were selected from 68 nominations from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal by a jury consisting of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Dr. Kalyan Rudra, Soumen Mitra, and Sunil Katial.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu