Patna: The Planning and Development Department of the Bihar government has received national recognition for conducting a series of major water-related censuses, in a move officials say will strengthen data-driven policymaking in the state.
The award was conferred on Monday, marking World Water Day, by Union Jal Shakti minister C R Patil at a ceremony attended by ministers of state V Somanna and Raj Bhushan Choudhary, along with the ministry’s secretary V L Kantha Rao.
The recognition was accepted on behalf of the department by additional chief secretary N Vijayalakshmi, accompanied by Ranjeet Kumar, director of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
Officials said the honour reflects coordinated efforts under Vijayalakshmi’s leadership in completing multiple large-scale exercises, including the seventh minor irrigation census, the second census of water bodies and the first springs census.
The Water Resources Department was also acknowledged under the first census of major and medium irrigation projects, with principal secretary Santosh Kumar Mall receiving a certificate and shield.
Speaking at the event, Vijayalakshmi said the recognition was a matter of pride for the state, noting that the exercises were completed within a limited timeframe despite administrative pressures, including election-related duties.
She said the data generated through these censuses would provide a strong foundation for scientific water management and more informed decision-making.
Senior officials added that the findings are expected to support the effective implementation of government schemes and long-term planning in the water sector.
The department said it would continue to focus on strengthening data-led governance and sustainable development initiatives in the state.
