PM’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign enters new phase to accelerate water conservation across India

NEW DELHI: Reinforcing India’s commitment to water security, the Centre has intensified its nationwide ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign with a renewed call for citizens to conserve every drop of rainwater. The month-long campaign, running from July 4 to August 4, 2026, follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on June 28, urging people to transform water conservation into a sustained people’s movement.

The campaign encourages households, institutions and communities to adopt rainwater harvesting systems, construct recharge pits and shafts, revive traditional water bodies such as baolis and wells, desilt ponds and reservoirs, and undertake large-scale plantation activities to improve water retention and groundwater recharge.

Building on Earlier Success

The renewed initiative is backed by the success of the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) programme, launched in September 2024 to strengthen community-led water conservation through a collaborative approach involving citizens, government agencies and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, JSJB 1.0 exceeded its target by creating more than 27 lakh groundwater recharge structures, far surpassing the initial goal of 10 lakh structures. The subsequent JSJB 2.0, launched in June 2025 with a focus on over-exploited and critical groundwater districts, reported the creation of over 1.5 crore recharge structures, exceeding its target of one crore by more than 50%, with physical verification currently underway.

Integrated Water Conservation Strategy

This year, the government has integrated Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign, launched originally on World Water Day in 2021 under the theme “Catch the Rain, Where It Falls, When It Falls.”

The integrated campaign seeks to promote scientifically designed, locally suitable and low-cost interventions for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and water storage while strengthening climate resilience through sustainable water management practices.

The initiative is being implemented in convergence with several Central and State Government programmes, including Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY), Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies, CAMPA, Finance Commission Grants, and Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM-G).

Jan Bhagidari at the Core

A defining feature of the campaign is its emphasis on Jan Bhagidari, encouraging Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, educational institutions, women’s groups, youth organisations and civil society to actively participate in water conservation efforts.

The campaign also leverages Jal Shakti Kendras (JSKs) established across districts to disseminate technical knowledge, support planning and facilitate implementation of water conservation activities at the grassroots level.

Evolving Focus Since 2021

Since its launch, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan has expanded its focus every year. While the 2021 campaign concentrated on rainwater harvesting and geo-tagging of water bodies, subsequent editions incorporated restoration of traditional water bodies, groundwater recharge, wetland rejuvenation, drinking water source sustainability and women-led water conservation initiatives under the ‘Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti’ theme in 2024.

Towards Water-Secure India

The Ministry of Jal Shakti says the latest campaign aims to strengthen agriculture, improve rural livelihoods and enhance climate resilience by creating durable water assets through scientific planning and community ownership.

As India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, the government believes sustained efforts in rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water use will remain central to ensuring long-term water security for future generations.