Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has won the first prize for the third consecutive time in the category of ‘Best Institution for Campus Usage’ at the Fourth National Water Awards-2023. The board’s efforts towards promoting water conservation and proper management of water have been recognized by the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD and GR) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The award was conferred by Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar at an award distribution ceremony in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The National Water Awards (NWA) recognizes and encourages the exemplary work and efforts made by states, districts, individuals, organizations, etc. across the country in achieving a ‘Jal Samriddh Bharat’ or a water-abundant India. It also aims to raise awareness among people about the importance of water and motivate them to adopt best water use practices. A total of 41 winners were selected from various states across the country.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board accepted the award on behalf of the organization and thanked the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for recognizing their efforts towards water conservation and management. He stated that the award would motivate the Shrine Board to incorporate best water usage practices in their future endeavors.
The Shrine Board has tirelessly worked towards providing the best possible facilities to pilgrims and adopted best water management practices for water conservation. It has constructed water harvesting ponds, planted over 1.50 lakh seedlings in forest areas, and installed water ATMs, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and waterless urinals, among other things. A major focus area for the Shrine Board has been Banganga river rejuvenation, wherein water and environment management are taken together for implementation, to restore the lost ecology of the polluted stretches of the river.
The Shrine Board has won several awards in recognition of its initiatives in varied spheres. In 2019, it won the ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ award under Swachh Bharat Mission of Government of India initiative, ‘Special Swachh Iconic Place’ award in 2017 under ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ campaign, and the ‘Cleanest Religious Place’ award in 2018 by the India Today Group. It also bagged the first prize in the 2nd and 3rd ‘National Water Awards’ in the category of ‘Best Institution/ Resident Welfare Association/ Religious Organisation for Successful Campus Usage’.
In conclusion, the SMVDSB’s efforts towards water conservation and management have been duly recognized by the government. It serves as a model for other organizations to emulate and adopt best practices for better management of natural resources.
