Catch the Rain: A Renewed National Call for Water Conservation

Key Highlights:

• The Hon’ble Prime Minister called for nationwide water conservation efforts, including rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, in June 2026.
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiatives were launched, with JSJB 1.0 (2024-2025) constructing over 27 lakh groundwater recharge structures against a target of 10 lakh.
• JSJB 2.0 (2025-2026) achieved over 1.5 crore structures, exceeding its target of 1 crore, focusing on over-exploited and critical districts.
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) was launched in June 2026, integrating JSJB with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign.
• JSA: CTR was initiated by the Prime Minister on World Water Day (March 22, 2021), promoting water conservation through a "Jan Andolan" approach.
• The campaign emphasizes community participation (Jan Bhagidari) and convergence with various Central and State Government schemes.

Detailed Insights:

• The Prime Minister's call in Mann Ki Baat on June 28, 2026, spurred a focused nationwide campaign from July 4 to August 4, 2026.
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiatives are guided by the principles of Community, CSR, and Cost (3Cs) to mobilize participation and resources.
• JSJB 1.0, launched in Surat, Gujarat, in September 2024, focused on low-cost groundwater recharge and revival of defunct borewells.
• The 6th National Water Awards in November 2025 recognized outstanding contributions under JSJB 1.0.
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) aims to transform every rainfall event into an opportunity for water conservation.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) builds on the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019, which covered 1,592 water-stressed blocks.
• Annual themes for JSA: CTR have evolved, with "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti" in 2024 highlighting women-led water conservation.
• Women's contributions are recognized through the Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman for exemplary efforts in water, sanitation, and hygiene.
• Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) serve as district-level knowledge and facilitation hubs for water harvesting techniques and technical guidance.
• The campaign leverages convergence with schemes like Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) under PMKSY and CAMPA.
• These efforts are critical for strengthening agriculture, supporting rural livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience towards Viksit Bharat.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): A national mission by the Government of India for water conservation and water security.
• Catch the Rain (CTR): A campaign under JSA focusing on rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
• Jan Bhagidari: The principle of people's participation, crucial for the success of government initiatives.
• Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs): District-level centers providing knowledge and technical guidance for water conservation.