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NEW DELHI: Maharashtra has been selected for the top honour in the ‘best state’ category of the 6th National Water Awards for 2024, announced on Tuesday, while Gujarat and Haryana secured the second and third positions, respectively.The awards, instituted by the Union Jal Shakti ministry (water resources), recognises excellence in water conservation and management across the country. The awards will be given to the selected states and other institutions/individuals by President Droupadi Murmu on Nov 18.Besides best states, the awards span best district, best village panchayat, best urban local body, best school or college, best industry, best water user association, best institution, best civil society, and best individual for contributions to the water sector. Collectively, 46 awards will be given in these categories.On the other hand, Telangana, constructing 5.2 lakh water conservation structures, emerged as bestperforming state under ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0’ initiative, followed by Chhattisgarh (4.05L completed projects) & Rajasthan (3.64L structures).
