Government's Catch the Rain Water Conservation Campaign Achievements
The Indian government has implemented a comprehensive water conservation initiative through the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari campaign, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call in the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2026 for citizens to save every drop of rainwater. The campaign focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, plantation activities, and public participation through a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.
Program Implementation and Targets
Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 was launched on 6th September 2024 in Surat, Gujarat, guided by the principles of Community, CSR, and Cost (3Cs). Implemented from 1 April 2024 to 31 May 2025, the initiative significantly exceeded its target of constructing at least 10 lakh groundwater recharge structures, with more than 27 lakh artificial recharge structures reported across the country. Building on this success, JSJB 2.0 was launched on 1 June 2025 with a special focus on accelerating groundwater recharge in Over-Exploited and Critical districts through low-cost, hyper-local interventions. This phase surpassed its target of constructing at least one crore groundwater recharge structures by 31 May 2026, with more than 1.5 crore structures reported nationwide, exceeding the target by over 50 percent. These reported structures are currently undergoing physical verification and field validation.
Campaign Integration and Convergence
The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) was launched on 1st June 2026, enhancing the scope of the initiative and integrating it with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign that began on World Water Day (22 March 2021). The campaign leverages convergence with several Central and State Government schemes including Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM-G), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) under PMKSY, Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies under PMKSY, CAMPA, Finance Commission Grants, and various State Government Schemes.
Institutional Framework and Community Participation
A key institutional component is the establishment of Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) in districts across the country, which serve as knowledge and facilitation hubs for water conservation, disseminating information on water harvesting techniques and providing technical guidance to local communities and district administrations. The campaign mobilizes Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, women's groups, youth, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities through Jan Bhagidari (public participation). The government recognized outstanding contributions under JSJB 1.0 during the 6th National Water Awards held in November 2025.
Historical Context and Evolution
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign has evolved annually since 2021 with different themes: 2021 focused on 'Catch the Rain, Where It Falls, When It Falls' with rainwater harvesting and geo-tagging of water bodies; 2022 expanded to restoration of traditional water bodies and wetland rejuvenation; 2023 emphasized source sustainability for drinking water in 150 water-stressed districts; and 2024 highlighted 'Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti' with women-led water conservation initiatives. Women's contributions continue to be recognized through the Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman for exemplary efforts in water conservation, sanitation, and hygiene.