The Ministry of Jal Shakti, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Government of Haryana, is launching the Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain campaign on World Water Day, 22nd March. This initiative aims to promote water conservation and management through community involvement and innovative strategies. The campaign marks the urgent need for water security, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge amid climate change and increasing water scarcity.
Event Overview
The event is set to take place at the Multipurpose Hall in Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, Haryana. It will feature notable dignitaries, including the Chief Minister of Haryana and the Minister of Jal Shakti. The campaign’s theme is “जल संचय जन भागीदारी – जन जागरूकता की ओर,” translating to “People’s Action for Water Conservation
Towards Intensified Community Connect.”
Focus Areas
The campaign will target 148 districts across India. It aims to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, communities, and stakeholders for sustainable water resource management. The initiative encourages grassroots participation to tackle water-related challenges effectively.
Key Highlights
The event will include several activities. A Painting and Sculpture Exhibition will showcase artistic expressions focused on water conservation. The launch of the ‘Jal-Jangal-Jan – Ek Prakritik Bandhan Abhiyan’ will highlight the ecological connections between water bodies and forests.
Innovative Projects
The campaign will also see the e-launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri Jal Sanchay Yojana’ and the Water Resources Atlas for Haryana. These tools will aid in scientific water resource management. Furthermore, awards will be given to progressive farmers, women, Water User Associations (WUAs), industries, and NGOs for their contributions to water conservation.
Community Engagement
Innovative projects such as Community Sanitary Complexes, Liquid Waste Management Systems, and the Gobardhan Project will be revealed. These initiatives aim to enhance community involvement and improve sanitation and waste management in Haryana.
Awareness and Action
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain – 2025 seeks to inspire nationwide awareness and action for water conservation. The campaign’s vision, ‘हर बूंद अनमोल’ (Every Drop Counts), aims to mobilise citizens to contribute to securing India’s water future through innovative solutions.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of community participation in water conservation initiatives in India.
- What are the main objectives of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain campaign? How does it aim to achieve them?
- Estimate the impact of climate change on India’s water resources and discuss potential solutions.
- Point out the significance of rainwater harvesting in urban areas. How can it be effectively implemented?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of community participation in water conservation initiatives in India.
- Community participation encourages local ownership and accountability in water management.
- Engagement leads to better identification of local water issues and tailored solutions.
- It enhances awareness and education about sustainable practices among residents.
- Collaborative efforts can mobilize resources and expertise from various stakeholders.
- Successful examples include community-led rainwater harvesting projects and watershed management.
2. What are the main objectives of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan
Catch the Rain campaign? How does it aim to achieve them?
- Promote water conservation and sustainable management of water resources across India.
- Encourage rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge through community involvement.
- Target 148 districts to strengthen collaboration among government, communities, and stakeholders.
- Implement innovative projects and initiatives to enhance water management practices.
- Raise awareness about the importance of water security through events and campaigns.
3. Estimate the impact of climate change on India’s water resources and discuss potential solutions.
- Climate change leads to erratic rainfall patterns, affecting water availability and quality.
- Increased frequency of droughts and floods disrupts traditional water management systems.
- Groundwater depletion is accelerated due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation.
- Potential solutions include enhancing rainwater harvesting, improving irrigation efficiency, and restoring ecosystems.
- Policy measures and community engagement are crucial for adaptive water management strategies.
4. Point out the significance of rainwater harvesting in urban areas. How can it be effectively implemented?
- Rainwater harvesting reduces dependence on municipal water supply and conserves groundwater.
- It helps mitigate urban flooding by managing stormwater runoff effectively.
- Harvested rainwater can be treated for various uses, including irrigation and sanitation.
- Effective implementation requires policy support, public awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development.
- Incentives for residential and commercial installations can encourage widespread adoption.
