The Khandwa Water Award Controversy has intensified after fresh allegations from the Congress party. Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari accused the district administration of misusing artificial intelligence to secure a national honour.
Patwari claimed officials uploaded AI-generated images on government portals. He alleged that shallow pits were shown as wells to project water conservation success. According to him, these images helped Khandwa win the National Water Award.
The controversy involves the Centre’s “Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari” campaign. Under this scheme, Khandwa district secured first place nationwide. The district received a ₹2 crore award in New Delhi. Kaveshwar Panchayat also won second prize in the best gram panchayat category.
District officials rejected the allegations and called them misleading. District Panchayat CEO Nagarjun B Gowda addressed the issue in a press conference. He said the award decision had no link to images uploaded on the “Catch the Rain” portal.
Gowda explained that officials uploaded verified photos of over 1.29 lakh works on the JSJB portal. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry verified the data and conducted random field inspections.
He admitted that 21 AI-generated images appeared on the “Catch the Rain” portal. He said someone uploaded them with wrong intent. The administration has started action against those responsible.
Officials stressed that these images played no role in the award process.
