Key Initiatives for Water Harvesting and Conservation
Catch the Rain Campaign
- National Water Mission's flagship campaign with tagline: "Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls"
- Encourages states to build rainwater-harvesting structures suited to local conditions before monsoon
- Activities include: check dams, water-harvesting pits, rooftop systems, desilting of tanks, removal of encroachments, repair of stepwells, and use of defunct borewells for groundwater recharge
- Rain Centres: Established in every district at Collectorates, municipalities or gram panchayat offices
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (2026)
- Launched: 1st June 2026 by expanding the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative
- Objective: Transform every rainfall event into an opportunity for water conservation
- Convergence with:
- Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar
- Ajeevika Mission–Gramin
- Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY)
- Repair, Renovation and Restoration of Water Bodies
- Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)
- Finance Commission Grants
- State Government schemes
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0
- Launched: 1st June 2025
- Focus: Accelerate groundwater recharge in over-exploited and critical districts
- Achievement: More than 1.5 crore recharge structures reported against target of 1 crore (by May 2026)
- Outstanding contributors recognized at 6th National Water Awards (November 2025)
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0
- Launched: 6th September 2024 in Surat, Gujarat
- Guiding principles: Community, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Cost
- Approach: Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach
- Achievement: Over 27 lakh artificial recharge structures against target of 10 lakh
- Implementation period: 1st April 2024 to 31st May 2025
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain
- Launched: World Water Day, 22nd March 2021
- Theme: "Catch the Rain, where it falls, when it falls"
- Promotes: Rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, watershed development, rejuvenation of water bodies, and afforestation
- Jan Andolan approach: People's movement for water conservation
Jal Shakti Kendras
- Purpose: District-level institutional centres for water conservation support
- Functions:
- Knowledge and facilitation hubs
- Spreading awareness about conservation techniques
- Technical guidance to communities and administrations
- Strengthening Jan Bhagidari (community participation)
Types of Water Harvesting Systems
- Rainwater Harvesting (RWH): Collecting and storing rainwater through rooftop collection and underground storage
- Groundwater Recharge Systems: Recharge wells allowing rainwater to seep into the ground
- Surface Water Harvesting: Collecting rainwater from land using ponds and reservoirs
- Urban Water Harvesting: Capturing rainwater in cities to manage stormwater
Significance of Water Harvesting
- Reliable Water Source: Minimal evaporation or pollution
- Groundwater Recharge: Replenishes groundwater, enhances availability during dry periods
- Flood Prevention: Reduces flood risk and water logging
- Coastal Protection: Combats seawater intrusion
- Environmental Protection: Minimizes erosion and sedimentation
- Sustainability: Supports water conservation amid urbanization
Constitutional and Policy Framework
- Article 48A: Protection and improvement of environment (Directive Principles of State Policy)
- National Water Mission: Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- Jal Jeevan Mission: Complementary initiative for rural water supply
- Atal Bhujal Yojana: For sustainable groundwater management
UPSC Mains Question (Drishti)
> Rainwater harvesting and community participation are central to India's water security strategy. Discuss in the context of Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiatives.