SECTION D: URBAN & PUBLIC UTILITIES AWARDS
Best Smart City Water Initiative
Description: Recognizes the most impactful smart city initiative that integrates technology and planning for efficient water supply, wastewater treatment, and community service. Focus on integration of smart meters, GIS, sensors, AI, or citywide water efficiency programs.
Eligibility:Â
- Smart City Mission projects, municipal corporations, utilities, PPP projects.
- Must showcase performance data and measurable citizen impact.
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Notes: Urban Development Department endorsements are encouraged for nominations.
Best Drinking Water Supply Utility – Urban
Description: Recognizes outstanding municipal utilities delivering reliable, safe, and equitable drinking water services in urban areas.
Eligibility:
- Urban local bodies, municipal corporations, specialized water boards (e.g., DJB).
- Must demonstrate service data, compliance with drinking water standards.
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Notes: Submission must include water testing reports and consumer service indicators (coverage %, continuity hrs/day).
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Best Wastewater Management Utility – Urban
Description: Awarded to utilities delivering dependable sewage collection, wastewater treatment, and safe discharge/reuse services in urban areas.
Eligibility:Â
- Urban municipal utilities and city-based wastewater boards.
- Must include operational STPs/WWTPs with records.
Notes: Required submission of data on treated flow, quality compliance (BOD/COD removal).
Best Urban Sanitation Program
Description: Recognizes urban local bodies implementing comprehensive sanitation programs (toilets, faecal sludge management, integrated waste & water services).
Eligibility:Â
- ULBs, smart city units, PPP ventures involving sanitation at large scale.
Notes: Cities with SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) recognition may be nominated.
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Global Water–Wastewater–Energy Nexus Leadership Award (Public Sector)
Description: Recognises senior public sector leaders driving integrated water–wastewater–energy governance through policy reform, institutional coordination, and measurable sustainability outcomes.
The award honours systemic transformation that improves efficiency, reduces environmental impact, and strengthens long-term urban climate resilience.
Eligibility:Â
- Senior Government Officials, Commissioners, Chief Engineers, Managing Directors, or Public Utility Heads
- Minimum 10 years of public sector leadership
- Demonstrated impact in integrated water–wastewater–energy planning or implementation
Advancing a Municipal Water–Wastewater–Energy Nexus Model for Climate-Resilient Urban Transformation
Description: Recognises Municipal Corporations and Urban Utilities implementing operational water–wastewater–energy nexus models that optimise resources, reduce emissions, and enhance urban resilience.
Evaluation focuses on measurable performance improvements achieved through integrated planning, energy-efficient operations, reuse frameworks, and circular resource management.
Eligibility:Â
- Municipal Corporations, Urban Local Bodies, Water or Sewerage Boards
- Implemented and operational integrated programs
- Minimum one year of measurable performance data required