Catch the Rain

Key Highlights:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign was launched on World Water Day (March 22, 2021) with the theme "Catch the Rain, Where It Falls, When It Falls."
• The nationwide campaign focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water-body restoration, and afforestation.
• The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative has led to the construction of over 1.55 crore Artificial Recharge and Storage Structures.
• An impact evaluation study of JSJB 1.0 estimated 2.43 billion cubic metres of groundwater recharge.
• The 2024 campaign theme for JSA: CTR was "Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti," emphasizing women-led water conservation initiatives.

Detailed Insights:

• JSA: CTR builds upon the success of Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2019, which covered 1,592 water-stressed blocks across 256 districts.
• The campaign promotes a Jan Andolan approach, emphasizing community participation and local ownership in water conservation.
• JSJB 1.0 (April 2024 - May 2025) focused on the 3Cs: Community, CSR, and Cost, mobilizing convergence with ongoing government schemes.
• JSJB 2.0 (launched June 2025) specifically targeted groundwater recharge in over-exploited and critical districts through low-cost, hyper-local interventions.
• JSJB: CTR (launched June 2026) integrated the JSJB approach with JSA: CTR, strengthening climate resilience through sustainable water management.
• The initiative leverages convergence across schemes like PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), CAMPA, and Finance Commission Grants.
• Jal Shakti Kendras serve as district-level knowledge and facilitation hubs, providing technical guidance on water harvesting.
• A dedicated portal and mobile application for JSJB: CTR enhance transparency, monitoring, and public feedback.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Rainwater Harvesting: The collection and storage of rainwater for future use, preventing runoff and increasing groundwater levels.
• Groundwater Recharge: The process of replenishing underground aquifers through natural or artificial means.
• Jan Bhagidari: People's participation; a community-driven approach to planning and implementing development initiatives.
• Convergence: The strategy of bringing together multiple government schemes, departments, and stakeholders to achieve common objectives efficiently.