Rajouri : In a moment of immense pride for District Rajouri, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma was Tuesday honoured by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, for the district’s outstanding performance under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative. The award recognises Rajouri’s exemplary achievements in promoting community-led water conservation and sustainable resource management.
Despite challenges during the implementation phase, including incidents of Pakistani shelling in border areas and the concurrent Operation Sindoor, the district administration—supported by the unwavering spirit of Jan Bhagidari, completed and geo-tagged all water recharge structures well before the 31st May deadline. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of both the administration and the public.
As part of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme, Rajouri successfully geo-tagged 4,208 rainwater harvesting structures, including 132 Amrit Sarovars, 894 ponds, 510 bowlis, 2,270 harvesting tanks and 408 dugwells.
These efforts have significantly enhanced the district’s rainwater harvesting capacity and strengthened long-term water sustainability.
The national recognition highlights the district administration’s innovative and result-oriented approach in mobilising public participation, rejuvenating traditional water bodies, expanding community awareness and prioritising grassroots engagement. Under the leadership of DC Abhishek Sharma, Rajouri adopted a holistic strategy to improve water security through collaboration and community ownership.
“This honour belongs to the people of Rajouri,” DC Abhishek Sharma said, expressing gratitude for the prestigious recognition. He emphasized that the district’s success was driven by collective commitment, strong community participation and consistent on-ground efforts.
Guided by the Prime Minister’s vision of ensuring water security for all, Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari promotes conservation through a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach. The initiative empowers communities to protect and restore water bodies, adopt sustainable practices and build resilience against water scarcity.
Rajouri’s people-centric model—anchored in sustainability, collaboration and active citizen participation—has now gained appreciation at the highest national level. The award has also infused renewed motivation among district officials, community groups and the general public to continue their efforts toward creating a water-secure and environmentally sustainable Rajouri.
This national honour marks a significant milestone, positioning Rajouri as a leading example of innovative governance and effective public participation in water conservation across the country.
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