Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh: The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Monday stirred controversy by alleging that officials in Khandwa district used artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images to secure a national water conservation award. The claim was strongly rejected by the Khandwa district administration, which clarified that AI images had no role in the award process.

The allegations surfaced shortly after Khandwa district won first place nationally for its water conservation efforts under the Centre’s Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari campaign. The district received a ₹2-crore award at the sixth National Water Awards ceremony held in New Delhi in November. In addition, Kaveshwar gram panchayat in Khandwa was awarded second prize in the best gram panchayat category, highlighting the district’s significant achievements in water conservation.

Congress Raises Allegations of AI Misuse

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari raised the allegations on social media platform X, accusing the BJP-led state government of exploiting artificial intelligence to project false development. Patwari claimed that the Khandwa administration manipulated images of development work to create the appearance of successful water conservation initiatives.

“In Khandwa, officials of the BJP government turned two-foot-deep pits into wells using AI and uploaded AI-generated images of various development works on the portal. Based on these images, they even received an award from the Honourable President,” Patwari alleged.

He further stated, “When ground reality was checked, fields and empty grounds were found instead. Clearly, this was not genuine water conservation, but a game of technology-created images. Under the BJP rule, corruption has also become smart.”

The Congress leader suggested that instead of promoting responsible and educational uses of AI, the state government was indulging in misrepresentation to win accolades.

District Administration Rejects the Allegations

In response to the growing controversy, the Khandwa district administration held a press conference to clarify the situation. Nagarjun B Gowda, Chief Executive Officer of the district panchayat, categorically denied that AI-generated images had any connection with the National Water Award process. He said the award was based on verified documentation of actual works carried out under the Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari campaign.

According to Gowda, “Verified images after thorough scrutiny of 1,29,046 water conservation works carried out under the Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari campaign were uploaded on the official JSJB portal. The Union Jal Shakti Ministry verified all uploaded material and conducted random inspections of one per cent of the total works to ensure authenticity.”

Gowda added that false information regarding Khandwa’s water conservation initiatives was being spread through social media accounts, creating confusion about the credibility of the district’s work.

Limited Use of AI Images on Separate Portal

The CEO clarified that some AI-generated images were indeed uploaded on a different platform, the Catch the Rain portal, but these images were intended solely for educational and motivational purposes. He confirmed that 21 AI-generated images were found on this portal, likely uploaded with malicious intent, and that action would be taken against those responsible.

“The Catch the Rain portal is completely separate from the Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari campaign portal. Awards under the Jal Sanchay campaign are not based on images uploaded on the Catch the Rain portal,” Gowda emphasised.

He underlined that Khandwa district had carried out more than 1.25 lakh water conservation works under the Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari campaign, the highest number recorded in the country. These efforts, verified through extensive documentation and field inspections, formed the basis for the district receiving national recognition.

National Water Awards: Process and Verification

The National Water Awards are conferred by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise significant contributions to water conservation and management. Entries undergo a detailed verification process, including document scrutiny, on-ground inspections, and random field checks. Only verified works are considered in the final assessment.

In Khandwa’s case, the award recognised the district’s extensive efforts to improve water conservation through community participation and systematic planning. The district administration said that all submissions for the award were thoroughly vetted, and AI-generated images played no role in securing the accolade.

Political Fallout

The controversy has sparked debate over the use of technology in governance and transparency. Congress leaders have criticised the BJP government for allegedly misusing AI, framing the accusation as “smart corruption.” Meanwhile, BJP officials have dismissed the claims as politically motivated and unsubstantiated.

Observers note that the incident reflects a broader discussion in India about the ethical use of AI in public administration. While AI can be a powerful tool for data visualisation, monitoring, and planning, its misuse can lead to misinformation and public distrust.

Administration’s Commitment to Transparency

Khandwa officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability. The CEO highlighted that each of the 1.25 lakh water conservation works undertaken in the district was documented with photographs and project reports, and randomly inspected by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

“The claim that AI-generated images were used to win awards is factually incorrect. We are taking strict action against anyone found misusing technology on unrelated platforms, but the official award process remains unaffected,” Gowda said.

Conclusion

The controversy over AI-generated images in Khandwa district underscores the tension between technological adoption and accountability in government projects. While AI can help visualise and promote development work, political actors argue over its ethical use and potential for misrepresentation.

In this instance, the district administration has provided detailed documentation and verification procedures to counter Congress’s allegations, asserting that the National Water Award was earned through genuine efforts and extensive water conservation work. As India increasingly incorporates digital tools and AI into governance, the debate over transparency, verification, and political accountability is likely to continue, making Khandwa’s case a notable example in discussions on technology and corruption in public administration.