India has launched a nationwide water conservation campaign to promote rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of water bodies, and community participation for long-term water security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to conserve rainwater and continue efforts to save water across the nation in the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on June 28. In response to this, a concerted national initiative was launched on 4th July 2026 and will continue through 4th August 2026 to enhance rainwater harvesting, recharge of ground water, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, plantation works and public participation in these activities
The campaign is based on two successive phases of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB). The target of building 10 lakh groundwater recharge structures under JSJB 1.0, from April 2024 to May 2025, was achieved, with more than 27 lakh artificial recharge structures reported across the country. More than one crore recharge structures have been reported across the country, including in over-exploited and critical districts targeted under the campaign, with JSJB 2.0 exceeding its target of one crore by more than 50 per cent.
The latest phase of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) has been launched, integrating JSJB with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, which focuses on locally relevant, low-cost interventions and on making communities resilient to climate change through sustainable water management. The campaign engages and empowers Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, women, youth, educational institutions, and civil society in the cause of water conservation.
It benefits from convergence with central and state government schemes such as Per Drop More Crop under PMKSY, Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies, CAMPA and Finance Commission Grants.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain was started on World Water Day in 2021, and each year, a different theme has been chosen for it like “Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge” in 2021 and for 2024, the theme chosen is “Women-led Water Conservation” (Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti). Jal Shakti Kendra has been established at district levels and has been taken as facilitation centres for water conservation plans.
Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge are essential for sustainable management for strengthening the agricultural ecosystem, rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term water security as India moves towards Viksit Bharat.
What's Your Reaction?
