The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is accelerating the 'Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls' campaign across urban India under AMRUT 2.0, in response to the Prime Minister's call for sustained momentum in water conservation efforts. The campaign has mobilized active participation from 27 States and Union Territories, encompassing approximately 900 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Through convergence with the Ministry of Jal Shakti under Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, significant infrastructure has been deployed: 79 Municipal Corporations have taken up 1,99,278 recharge structures, while 738 Urban Local Bodies are implementing 73,036 recharge structures, collectively contributing substantially to groundwater recharge and water conservation in urban areas.
The Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme under AMRUT 2.0 is delivering tangible results through scientific aquifer mapping and targeted interventions. Specific city implementations include Burdwan (West Bengal) and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) using recharge pits integrated with injection borewells to channel rainwater into deeper aquifers; Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems with storage facilities for both conservation and replenishment; and Korba (Chhattisgarh) and Warangal (Telangana) operationalizing recharge structures ahead of monsoon to effectively capture seasonal rainfall.
Under the Water Body Rejuvenation component, nearly 1.21 lakh acres of water bodies are being revitalized through desilting, inlet/outlet improvements, shoreline protection, landscaping, and biodiversity enhancement to improve water storage, enhance groundwater recharge, and strengthen urban flood resilience. Additionally, parks and green space projects spanning over 12,750 acres are being developed across urban India to enhance environmental sustainability, support groundwater recharge, mitigate urban heat stress, and improve quality of life through accessible public spaces.