A Trailblazer in Water Governance: Tina Dabi and Barmer District Earn National Acclaim for a Transformative Rainwater Harvesting Revolution
India is set to honour one of its most admired young administrators, IAS officer Tina Dabi, along with Barmer district, for pioneering a far-reaching and sustainable model of rainwater harvesting that has captured the nation’s attention. At the 6th National Water Awards, scheduled to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, on November 18, 2025, President Draupadi Murmu will formally recognise Ms. Dabi’s leadership and Barmer’s exceptional achievements in grassroots water conservation.
Barmer Creates History With India’s First “National Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award”
In a landmark achievement, Barmer has become the first district in the country to win the National Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Award, acknowledging its exemplary community-driven efforts to conserve water in one of India’s driest regions. The district administration will receive a national prize of ₹2 crore, celebrating Barmer’s success in creating a scalable, long-term model of water security.
Reinventing Water Governance: The Success of the “Catch the Rain” Initiative
Under Ms. Dabi’s dynamic leadership, Barmer rolled out a comprehensive “Catch the Rain” programme focused on reviving traditional water storage systems and constructing large community tanks across the district.
According to her official briefings, these interventions have dramatically improved water availability. For the first time in years, villagers now have access to clean, potable water for nearly three to four months after rainfall, eliminating earlier periods when precious rainwater simply flowed away due to poor storage infrastructure.
This shift marks a watershed moment for Barmer, transforming its relationship with water and setting a new benchmark for conservation in arid regions.
Long-Term Gains: Building Resilience in a Water-Stressed Region
The new harvesting systems are expected to significantly reduce Barmer’s dependence on external water supply, strengthen long-term freshwater availability, and equip the region to better withstand climate variability. For a district where water scarcity has shaped daily life for generations, this initiative represents a profound developmental leap.
Celebrating a Visionary Administrator: Tina Dabi’s Journey of Impact
Throughout her career, Ms. Tina Dabi has earned a reputation for administrative excellence, transparency, and people-centric governance. Her achievements have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including the President’s Gold Medal and the National Voters’ Day Award.
Her path to leadership began early. Born on 9 November 1993 in Bhopal, she created history by topping the UPSC Civil Services Examination (AIR 1) on her first attempt at the age of 22. A graduate of Lady Shri Ram College, she has served in numerous key roles—Assistant Collector, CEO of the District Council in Sri Ganganagar, Commissioner of the Employment Guarantee Scheme in Jaipur, District Collector of Jaisalmer, and currently, District Collector of Barmer.
Ms. Dabi is also known for defending her public identity with dignity, including taking legal action against fake social media accounts impersonating her.
A Personal Chapter That Inspires Many
In April 2022, she married fellow IAS officer Pradeep K. Gawande, and the couple welcomed their son in September 2023. Her professional achievements, combined with her personal journey, continue to inspire countless young aspirants—especially those from marginalized or underrepresented communities.
