PIB Fact Check Rejects Allegations of AI-Generated Images in National Water Awards Assessment

New Delhi- The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit on Wednesday dismissed as false the claims circulating on social media that artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images were used to secure National Water Awards.

In a statement, PIB Fact Check said that some social media users had alleged that AI-generated images, invitation cards, and small pits were misrepresented as large water reservoirs to obtain awards under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB). The unit categorically rejected these claims, stating that they were fake.

Clarifying the evaluation mechanism, PIB said that awards under the ‘Water Conservation – Public Participation’ category are assessed strictly on the basis of entries available on the JSJB dashboard. Each recharge structure is monitored through GIS coordinates, geo-tagged photographs, and detailed financial information.

The Fact Check unit further explained that submissions made by districts undergo multiple levels of scrutiny, including verification by district authorities and the Ministry of Jal Shakti. Additionally, at least one per cent of the works are physically verified on the ground to ensure quality and authenticity.

PIB also clarified that the Catch the Rain (CTR) portal is an entirely separate platform and that images uploaded on the CTR portal are not considered during the evaluation process for the National Water Awards. Citizens were advised to rely only on official sources for accurate information, as misinformation can create unnecessary confusion.

In a separate statement, the government said certain social media posts had alleged that National Water Awards were obtained by uploading AI-generated or duplicate images, invitation cards, or by portraying small pits as large water bodies. Some posts also shared screenshots and unrelated old images from the CTR portal to suggest manipulation in the awards process.

The government termed these allegations as factually incorrect and misleading, reiterating that evaluation for the JSJB Awards is conducted exclusively on the basis of entries available on the JSJB dashboard.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti also firmly rejected any claims of manipulation or misuse of images, cautioning that such misinformation misleads the public, demoralises field officers and community volunteers, and undermines a major national initiative aimed at strengthening India’s water security.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, strict verification of works, and taking corrective action wherever any irregularities are found.

With inputs from IANS