Tag: water resources

EduConnect

ICAR-CCARI Goa Bags ‘Best Institution Other Than School & College’ Award at 6th National Water Awards 2024

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa, has achieved national recognition by bagging the prestigious ‘Best Institution Other Than School & College’ award at the 6th National Water Awards 2024. The award, announced by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, acknowledges the institute’s remarkable efforts in advancing water management, conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices in India’s coastal regions.

A total of 46 winners, including joint winners, have been selected across ten categories for the 2024 awards, which include Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best School or College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution (other than school or college), Best Civil Society, and Best Individual for excellence in the water sector. Maharashtra was declared the Best State, followed by Gujarat and Haryana in second and third positions respectively.

The award ceremony is scheduled to be held on 18th November 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, will grace the occasion as Chief Guest, alongside Minister of State for the Ministry of Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary, Secretary of DoWR, RD & GR V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of Drinking Water and Sanitation Ashok K.K. Meena, and other senior officials.

Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, highlighted that the National Water Awards reflect the government’s commitment to recognizing and promoting water conservation efforts nationwide. The awards are part of a broader initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to build a sustainable and water-secure future for India under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

Introduced in 2018, the National Water Awards aim to create public awareness about the importance of water and motivate individuals and organizations to adopt best practices in water management. The awards were not conferred in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they resumed thereafter with renewed focus on sustainable water practices. For the 2024 edition, launched on 23rd October 2024 via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the department received 751 applications. These were meticulously scrutinized and evaluated by a jury committee, followed by on-ground verification by the Central Water Commission (CWC) and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), leading to the final selection of 46 awardees.

The recognition of ICAR–CCARI Goa underscores the institute’s long-standing contributions to coastal agriculture and water sustainability. The National Water Awards continue to serve as a powerful platform to encourage innovation, collaboration, and community engagement in water conservation efforts across India — strengthening the nation’s journey towards a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’.

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Amthane Dam Access Closed for 45 Days Starting July 5 for Safety and Maintenance

allycaralgoa

Sattari, Goa – July 3, 2025: Authorities have announced the temporary closure of public access to Amthane Dam for a period of 45 days, starting July 5, citing safety concerns and essential maintenance work during the monsoon season.

Located in the scenic Sattari taluka, Amthane Dam is a key water source for nearby regions and a popular spot for nature lovers and local visitors. However, with rising water levels and ongoing structural inspections, the Water Resources Department has decided to restrict public entry until mid-August.

Officials have emphasized that the closure is preventive and aims to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, especially during the peak of the monsoon when the area becomes more vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and slippery terrain.

“The dam is undergoing routine inspection and strengthening work. During this period, access will remain restricted to avoid any accidents or disturbances to maintenance activities,” said a department spokesperson.

Local authorities have placed warning signage and temporary barricades at all entry points. Security personnel will also be stationed to ensure compliance. Residents and tourists are advised to refrain from attempting unauthorized entry, both for their own safety and to avoid penalties.

While the closure is expected to be an inconvenience for some, particularly weekend tourists and photographers, the administration has requested the public’s cooperation and patience during this crucial period.

The dam is expected to reopen by August 20, subject to weather conditions and the completion of the ongoing work.

EduConnect

World Water Day Celebrations at PM Shri GHS Morpirla: A Call to Action for Water Conservation

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The students and teachers of PM Shri GHS Morpirla came together to celebrate World Water Day with great enthusiasm and dedication. The event was centered around the theme of Glacier Preservation, highlighting the critical links between water and climate change.

Rally and Poster Competition

The celebrations began with a rally, where students and teachers marched through the streets, holding placards and banners emphasizing the importance of sustainable management of water resources. This was followed by a poster competition, where students showcased their creativity and talent by designing posters that highlighted the need for water conservation.

The Importance of Freshwater Resources

In their posters and speeches, the students emphasized the importance of freshwater resources and access to clean drinking water. They highlighted how water is fundamental to life, sustaining human health, agriculture, industries, and ecosystems. However, they also pointed out that water scarcity, pollution, and mismanagement pose serious threats to global stability.

The Need for Water Conservation

The event was a call to action for water conservation. The students and teachers emphasized the need for rainwater harvesting, a practice that can help recharge groundwater levels and reduce the demand on municipal water supplies.

A Collective Effort

The celebration of World Water Day at PM Shri GHS Morpirla was a collective effort that brought together students, teachers, and the community. It was a reminder that water conservation is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of individuals, communities, and governments.

A Step Towards a Sustainable Future

The event was a step towards a sustainable future, where water is valued and conserved for future generations. As the students and teachers of PM Shri GHS Morpirla demonstrated, even small actions can make a big difference in promoting water conservation and sustainability.