SECTION I: SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
Global Partner Recognition
Description: Honors international organizations, corporates, or NGOs that have contributed significantly through knowledge transfer, funding, or global collaboration for water sustainability projects in India or globally.
Eligibility:
- International non-profits, corporates, government agencies, or multilateral organizations.
- Must demonstrate partnership in water/wastewater projects benefiting a region/country.
Judging Criteria (100 points) :
- Strength of International Collaboration (25)
- Innovation/Knowledge Shared (20)
- Scale of Impact (communities served, projects executed) (20)
- Sustainability of Partnerships (20)
- Replication Potential/Policy influence (15)
Notes: Evidence of MoUs, partnerships, and measurable contributions to water programs must be shared.
Lifetime Contribution – Government Leader
Description: Recognizes the lifetime contributions of a government leader (minister, senior bureaucrat, regulator) in shaping transformative water or sanitation policies, programs, and governance reforms.
Eligibility:
- Senior government leaders (active or retired).
- Contributions must span at least 20 years with verifiable outcomes.
Judging Criteria:
- Policy/Program Innovation (25)
- Scale of National/State Impact (25)
- Sustainability & Long-term Relevance (20)
- Leadership in Governance (20)
- Legacy & Mentorship (10)
Notes: Nominations must be supported by credible endorsements and documented policy/program outcomes.
International Organization Contribution (World Bank, UNDP, etc.)
Description: Acknowledges the pioneering projects funded or implemented by global organizations like UNDP, World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, and others in supporting water and wastewater management.
Eligibility:
- International organizations with water-related interventions in developing or emerging economies.
- Projects must have been implemented and evaluated within the last 7 years.
Judging Criteria:
- Project Scale & Investment (30)
- Measurable Social & Environmental Impact (25)
- Sustainability of outcomes post-project (20)
- Partners & Community Engagement (15)
- Innovation in Models & Tools (10)
Notes: Case studies and independent evaluations/reports required from the organization.
Corporate Water Stewardship Excellence
Description: Honors corporates that integrate water stewardship into business strategy by reducing water footprint, implementing reuse/recycling technologies, and ensuring sustainable supply chains.
Eligibility:
- Corporates across all industries (domestic & multinational).
- Must provide audited CSR/ESG reports reflecting water initiatives.
Judging Criteria:
- Leadership in Stewardship Policy (25)
- Reduction in Operational Water Footprint (25)
- Community/Watershed Engagement (20)
- Sustainability & Circular Water Practices (20)
- Replication Influence (10)
Notes: Supporting documents include ESG/CSR reports, water performance KPIs, and independent verification where available.
Green Chemistry Award for Wastewater Management
Description: Recognizes scientific and industrial innovations in green chemistry that minimize harmful discharges, improve wastewater safety, and enable eco-friendly treatment alternatives.
Eligibility:
- Researchers, industries, technology developers, universities.
- Must demonstrate reduction in chemical toxicity or sustainable alternatives tested/used.
Judging Criteria:
- Innovation & Scientific Rigor (30)
- Environmental & Health Impact (25)
- Cost-effectiveness vs Conventional Chemistry (20)
- Scalability in Industry Use (15)
- Sustainability (life cycle, long-term impact) (10)
Notes: Entries should showcase lab and field-testing results, supported by certifications or regulatory clearance (if applicable).
Water Positive Company of the Year
Description: Awarded to companies demonstrating water positivity (recharging more water than consumed), thus leaving a net positive water balance.
Eligibility:
- Large corporates, industrial sectors, or multinationals.
- Must show verifiable audit reports of water balance and conservation programs.
Judging Criteria:
- Achievement of Net Water Positive Status (% Positive Index) (30)
- Innovation in Conservation/Recharge programs (25)
- Sustainability of practices (20)
- CSR & Watershed Development Programs (15)
- Replication Potential & Leadership Role (10)
Notes: Independent water audits required for verification.