Shillong, March 13: Eleven community representatives from Meghalaya have been honoured at the national Jal Mahotsav in New Delhi for their contributions to strengthening rural drinking water systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The awards were presented during a national celebration organised by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, where the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, led the Jal Kalash ceremony and felicitated community champions from across the country for their role in improving rural water governance.
From Meghalaya, recognition was given to villages and local leaders for achievements in ensuring reliable water supply, financial sustainability of village water systems, and community-led monitoring of water quality.
Among the awardees, Massar village (Pynursla Block) received recognition for maintaining 24×7 rural water supply, followed by Nongdewsaw village (Ranikor Block) and Pahamjri village (Umling Block).
Villages demonstrating strong financial sustainability through efficient user charge collection included Nongsohpian (Nongstoin Block), Jendragre (Rongram Block), and Tynriang (Pynursla Block).
Two traditional village heads were also honoured under the Distinguished Sarpanch/Headman Award for leadership in managing rural piped water systems: Spiland Jyrwa of Pyndendiwah village (Mawkyrwat Block) and Aikolos Ramri of Umsaw village (Nongstoin Block).
Women community champions were recognised for their work in Field Test Kit (FTK)-based water quality monitoring, including Elitamary Lyngdoh of Jashiar village (Mawkyrwat Block) and Memorialda Syiem of Tiehsaw village (Nongstoin Block). The initiative trains local women—including ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, self-help group members and teachers—to test drinking water sources and upload the results to the national water quality monitoring system.
Meanwhile, during the ongoing Jal Mahotsav celebrations in Meghalaya (March 8–22), three villages were also recognised for outstanding water quality testing performance in 2025–26: Jongksha (Mawkynrew Block, East Khasi Hills), Khrang (Khatarshnong–Laitkroh Block, East Khasi Hills) and Nongkhlaw (Mairang Block, Eastern West Khasi Hills).
The state-level celebrations were launched in Shillong on March 9 by C. H. Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan, marking International Women’s Day and highlighting the growing role of women in community-led water governance.
Officials said the recognition underscores the crucial role played by rural communities, local leaders, and trained volunteers in ensuring safe, reliable and sustainable drinking water for every household, the core objective of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
