New Delhi, July 19: Reinforcing India’s commitment to water security, the Government of India has intensified the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign with a renewed nationwide appeal to conserve every drop of rainwater. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on June 28, 2026, the campaign is being implemented from July 4 to August 4, 2026, promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, afforestation, and public participation.
According to a PIB Backgrounder released by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, citizens are encouraged to install rainwater harvesting systems in homes and workplaces, construct recharge pits and shafts, revive unused borewells, restore baolis and wells, desilt ponds and reservoirs, and undertake plantation drives to improve water retention and groundwater recharge. The campaign aims to convert every rainfall event into an opportunity for sustainable water management.
The renewed initiative builds upon the success of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB), launched in September 2024 to strengthen community-led water conservation. The first phase exceeded its target by creating more than 27 lakh artificial groundwater recharge structures against the goal of 10 lakh. Its successor, JSJB 2.0, launched in June 2025, further expanded efforts in over-exploited and critical groundwater districts, reporting more than 1.5 crore recharge structures, surpassing its target by over 50 percent. These structures are currently undergoing field verification.
To consolidate these efforts, the government launched Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR) on June 1, 2026, integrating the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign. The integrated programme promotes low-cost, locally appropriate water conservation interventions while leveraging convergence with schemes such as Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, CAMPA, Finance Commission Grants, and various state government initiatives.
A key feature of the campaign is its emphasis on Jan Bhagidari, encouraging Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, educational institutions, women’s groups, youth organisations, civil society, and local communities to actively participate in water conservation activities. The campaign also relies on Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) as district-level knowledge centres that provide technical guidance and facilitate planning and implementation of water conservation measures.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain, first launched on World Water Day in 2021, has evolved each year with thematic priorities ranging from rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge to wetland restoration, drinking water source sustainability, and women-led water conservation initiatives. The government believes these cumulative efforts have transformed water conservation into a nationwide Jan Andolan, strengthening climate resilience, agriculture, rural livelihoods, and long-term water security.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti stated that sustained scientific planning, community ownership, and convergence of resources will remain critical as India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, ensuring water availability for future generations amid rising climate variability and growing demand.
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