PM Modi Promotes 'Catch the Rain' Initiative; 24.24 Lakh Water Bodies Counted in Census
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal for public engagement in water conservation has spotlighted the Jal Shakti Ministry's 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025' initiative, which includes a groundbreaking census of 24.24 lakh water bodies.
Key Takeaways
- 24.24 lakh water bodies counted in census
- Public participation is crucial for water conservation
- Focus on sustainable water resource management
- Initiative supports rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge
- Campaign encompasses 148 districts
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal on Sunday for public involvement in water conservation has highlighted the Jal Shakti Ministry's ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025’ initiative, which has recorded 24.24 lakh water bodies in the first-ever census.
In the 120th episode of his radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi stated, “The 'Catch the Rain' campaign is not solely a government initiative but a collective effort by the people. The Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan also aims to engage more citizens in water conservation efforts.”
Earlier this month, the Ministry kicked off the ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025’ campaign.
As part of previous Jal Shakti initiatives, by June 2024, 24.24 lakh water bodies were recorded in the nation’s inaugural census of water bodies, and 671 Jal Shakti Centres were established, as per official documents.
At least 25,397 traditional water bodies have been renovated, 71,096 reuse and recharge structures constructed, along with the completion of 1.41 lakh watershed development projects, according to an official report. Additionally, several projects under these categories are still in progress.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign urges all citizens to collaborate in securing India’s water future through innovative solutions and grassroots participation.
This initiative emphasizes the significance of water security, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge in light of climate change and increasing water challenges.
The focus is on 148 districts, promoting enhanced cooperation among government bodies, communities, and stakeholders for the sustainable management of water resources.
This campaign prioritizes water conservation and rainwater harvesting, including the enumeration, geo-tagging, and inventorying of water bodies; establishing Jal Shakti Kendras in every district to provide information and support for water conservation, and promoting intensive afforestation to boost groundwater recharge and minimize erosion.
Furthermore, the campaign stresses the need for de-silting and cleaning of water bodies, revitalizing abandoned borewells for groundwater recharge, snow harvesting in mountainous areas, and rejuvenating small rivers.
A statement indicated that the Jal Shakti Abhiyan was initiated in 2019 to tackle acute water scarcity in various regions of the country. The campaign was implemented in two phases: the first phase occurred during the monsoon season from July 1 to September 15, 2019, and the second phase from October 1 to November 30, 2019, for states experiencing the Northeast retreating monsoons.
The primary focus of the campaign was on water-stressed districts and blocks, highlighting the necessity for local interventions and community engagement, as stated.
In 2021, ‘Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain’ was launched with the theme ‘Catch the Rain – Where it Falls When it Falls’. This initiative encompassed the previous Catch the Rain campaign, extending its reach to all blocks in both rural and urban areas nationwide. Since its inception, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain has become an annual campaign, according to the statement.
