WaSH Warriors Honoured for Transforming Water & Sanitation Across India

The Ministry of Jal Shakti organised a special Samvad Samaroh and recognition programme to honour WaSH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Warriors from across India. The event, held at the PSOI in New Delhi, recognised 58 individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in improving water access, sanitation, and hygiene at the grassroots level. These warriors hail from rural, marginalized, SC/ST-majority, and tribal communities and have worked closely with local populations to address water and sanitation challenges.

As part of the national recognition, the selected WaSH Warriors also attended the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026 as special guests, reflecting the importance of community participation and Jan Bhagidari in national development. The awardees were drawn from Swachh Sujal Gaon villages , certified under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for Har Ghar Jal access and verified under the ODF Plus model of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). Their efforts represent community-led progress in safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene across rural India.

During the Samvad Samaroh, several WaSH Warriors shared their field experiences. Shri Motilal from Bijrakchhar village, Chhattisgarh, highlighted the transformation brought about by JJM, noting how access to clean tap water improved health outcomes and reduced the burden on women. Shri Amrutbhai Parmar from Timbachudi village, Gujarat, spoke about the creation of model wells and sustainable water supply systems, while Smt Lentsothsi from Tutheyo village, Nagaland, described how the initiative freed her from early-morning water chores and improved children’s health. Ms Nijuma Devi from Kendukuchi village, Assam, emphasised promoting hygiene and water conservation among children and the broader community.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil congratulated the WaSH Warriors, encouraging them to continue innovative practices in water management and sanitation. He highlighted the impact of JJM in benefiting over 9.5 crore women and saving an estimated 4.5 crore hours of women’s time , which can now be used for personal and family well-being. The minister also underscored youth engagement initiatives, such as Youth for Ganga – Youth for Yamuna , aimed at building awareness on water conservation among school students.

A JJM booklet titled “Peyjal: Jan Shakti Ki Abhivyakti – Volume II” , featuring the stories of these WaSH Warriors, was released during the event. The Samvad Samaroh demonstrated the vital role of grassroots leadership and community engagement in achieving sustainable water and sanitation solutions nationwide.