Maharashtra to observe water conservation day on August 21, announces Maha Walkathon

The announcement was made during a virtual meeting chaired by Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod to discuss the programmes planned for Water Conservation Day and Water Conservation Week. Pic/Special Arrangement

Maharashtra will observe Water Conservation Day on August 21, with a week-long awareness programme from August 15 to 21 and a statewide water conservation campaign from August 15, 2026, to January 26, 2027, an official statement said on Tuesday.

It said that Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathod has directed all government departments and local authorities to work together to promote awareness about the importance of protecting soil and water resources.

The announcement was made during a virtual meeting chaired by Rathod to discuss the programmes planned for Water Conservation Day and Water Conservation Week.

A three-kilometre ‘Maha Walkathon - Walk for Water' will be organised in every district on August 21.

The theme of the campaign is ‘Save Soil, Save Water, Secure Tomorrow', while its slogan is ‘Paani Adva, Paani Jirva, Jalyukta Maharashtra Ghadva'.

Citizens, elected representatives, Maharashtra government employees, students, non-governmental organisations, social groups, industry representatives, sports organisations and young people will be encouraged to take part.

Men and women aged 15 years and above will be eligible to participate. Online registration through a QR code will be provided, and participants will receive e-certificates.

The walkathon will be followed by a pledge on soil and water conservation.

Youth to take part in reel competition

The government will also organise a state-level ‘Reel for Soil and Water Conservation' competition during Water Conservation Week.

Young people aged 15 to 30 can participate by creating a 30 to 60-second Instagram Reel using the hashtag #SaveSoilSaveWater.

Participants can focus on topics such as soil conservation, saving water, preventing soil erosion, rainwater harvesting, farm ponds, check dams, tree plantation and environmental protection.

Storytelling, acting, music, dance, animation, AI-based creativity, comedy, short films and drone visuals can be used.

At district level, winners will receive Rs 25,000 for first place, Rs 15,000 for second place and Rs 10,000 for third place, along with certificates and awards. Other outstanding participants will receive e-certificates.

Water Conservation activities in schools and colleges

During the campaign from August 15, 2026, to January 26, 2027, schools and colleges across all 36 districts will conduct several activities.

These will include essay, drawing and poster competitions, debates, water conservation pledges and the ‘One School-One Recharge Pit' initiative.

Schools will also identify and appoint ‘Jal Mitra' or ‘Jal Doot' to promote awareness about water conservation.

On August 21, schools will pay tribute to former Maharashtra Chief Minister the late Sudhakarrao Naik and students will take a pledge to protect soil and water.

The government will also promote water conservation work in both rural and urban areas during the campaign period.

Activities will include foundation-laying and inauguration of soil and water conservation projects, inspections of farm ponds and water sources, tree plantation around Amrit Sarovar sites and cleaning of streams, ponds, wells and percolation tanks through public participation.

Tree plantation initiatives, including ‘Harit Maharashtra-Sampann Maharashtra' and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', will also be taken up.

Sudhakarrao Naik's contribution

Rathod said August 21 was chosen as Water Conservation Day to mark the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister Sudhakarrao Naik, who played an important role in promoting the ‘Paani Adva, Paani Jirva' water conservation movement in Maharashtra.

He said soil and water are closely linked natural resources and their conservation is essential for agriculture, the environment and sustainable development.

Rathod urged citizens, particularly young people and students, to participate in the campaign and help spread the message of water conservation.

"Saving soil and conserving water is not only the responsibility of the government but a collective responsibility of every citizen," he said.