World Water Day observed

Vijayawada: World Water Day 2026 was celebrated at the Rural Water Supply & Sanitation (RWS&S) Department Headquarters, Gollapudi, in collaboration with EAII Advisors, Evidence Action’s technical partner in India, under the global theme “Water and Gender – Where Water Flows, Equality Grows” on Tuesday.

The collaboration between the RWS&S Department and Evidence Action was highlighted for strengthening last-mile water quality through the deployment of Inline Chlorination (ILC) systems, ensuring consistent disinfection of rural drinking water and contributing to improved public health outcomes.

Among others, T Gayatri Devi, Engineer-in-Chief, RWS&S Department and B Hare Ram Nayak, Chief Engineer and Project Director, RWS&S Department were present.

The event brought together around 150 participants across government officials from RWSS Department and development partners including NGOs that have worked as Implementation Supporting Agencies (ISAs) along with village functionaries ASHA, ANM, Anganwadi, SHGs, gram panchayat secretaries, engineering assistants, village motivators, and pump cum device operators to reaffirm the State’s commitment to ensuring safe, equitable, and sustainable drinking water services for all.

Emphasis was laid on safe drinking water as a fundamental right and its role in improving health, dignity, and opportunities—particularly for women and vulnerable communities.

The programme culminated into a collective call to accelerate efforts toward universal access to safe and reliable drinking water, while promoting gender-inclusive and sustainable water governance.