PIB Fact Check Debunks AI Image Claims In National Water Awards Evaluation

On Wednesday, the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit dismissed as false the social media claims alleging that authorities used artificial intelligence-generated images during the evaluation of the National Water Awards.

The Fact Check unit responded to online allegations and said some users had claimed that people misrepresented AI-generated images, invitation cards and even small pits as large water reservoirs to secure awards under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB).

Taking to X, the PIB Fact Check unit said the allegations circulating online were incorrect and misleading.

While explaining the evaluation mechanism, the PIB clarified that it assesses awards under the ‘Water Conservation – Public Participation’ category strictly based on submissions available on the official JSJB dashboard.

According to the Fact Check unit, authorities track every recharge structure using GIS coordinates, geo-tagged photographs and detailed financial information, leaving little scope for manipulation.

Additionally, the PIB said entries submitted by districts undergo multiple layers of scrutiny, including verification by district administrations and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It further noted that at least one per cent of the reported works are physically verified on the ground to ensure authenticity and quality.

Separately, the Fact Check unit clarified that the Catch the Rain (CTR) portal functions as an independent platform and does not use images uploaded there for evaluating the National Water Awards.

Advising caution, the PIB urged citizens to depend only on official and verified sources for information, warning that misinformation could lead to unnecessary confusion and erosion of public trust.

Government Refutes Fresh Social Media Allegations

The government, in an additional statement, said several social media posts had alleged that districts secured National Water Awards by uploading AI-generated or duplicate images, invitation cards or by projecting small pits as major water bodies.

Refuting these assertions, the statement said some posts even circulated unrelated screenshots and old images from the CTR portal to falsely suggest manipulation in the awards process.

“These allegations are factually incorrect and misleading. Evaluation for the JSJB Awards is conducted exclusively on the basis of entries available on the JSJB dashboard,” the statement said.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Jal Shakti categorically denied any misuse or manipulation of images, stating that such misinformation misleads the public, demoralises field officials and undermines community-led efforts to strengthen water conservation.

The ministry reaffirmed its stance, stressed its commitment to transparency, accountability and rigorous verification, and pledged to take corrective action wherever it identifies genuine irregularities.