The National Water Mission (NWM) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recently taken a leap forward by launching the ‘Catch the Rain’ Awareness Generation Campaign.
Key Elements of the ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign
At its core, this campaign is built around the tagline: “catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls”. It is designed with a two-pronged objective which includes motivating stakeholders to create suitable Rain Water Harvesting Structures (RWHS) so that rainfall can be stored efficiently. Furthermore, the campaign aims to engage grassroots level communities through effective campaigning, education and communication initiatives.
The activities encompassed in the campaign range from creating water harvesting pits, rooftop RWHS and the construction of check dams to de-silting of tanks to increase their storage capacity. The mission also involves the removal of barriers in the channels which bring water in from catchment areas.
Repairing traditional WHS like step-wells and utilising defunct bore-wells and old wells to recycle water back into aquifers are additional steps being taken towards water conservation.
‘Catch the Rain’ as a Preparatory Phase for Jal Shakti Abhiyan II
As part of the preparatory phase for Jal Shakti Abhiyan II, NYKS will conduct an awareness drive across 623 districts from December 2020 to March 2021. This campaign will include educational and motivational programmes, mass awareness initiatives, and environmental building activities such as wall writing.
States have been encouraged to open Rain Centers in each district, which will serve as technical guidance centers for everyone in the district.
Significance of the Initiative
The campaign’s emphasis on water conservation and rainwater harvesting aims to enlighten the younger generation about the importance of water. By prioritising water conservation, an integrated approach towards water management can be adopted.
The idea of minimising water outflow from compounds will contribute to improved soil moisture levels and increased groundwater tables. Additionally, in cities, it will prevent water from flooding roads, thereby reducing road damage and preventing urban flooding.
Crucial Steps for Water Conservation
Several measures have been taken over the years to mitigate water scarcity. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act aims to enhance groundwater harvesting and develop water conservation mechanisms.
The Jal Kranti Abhiyan is another initiative that involves active efforts to transform villages and cities through block-level water conservation schemes.
The National Water Mission seeks to conserve water, minimise wastage and ensure equitable distribution across and within states through integrated water resources development and management.
NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index aims to increase effective water utilisation.
Jal Shakti Ministry and Jal Jeevan Mission Initiatives
The Jal Shakti Ministry was established to tackle water issues from a holistic perspective. Meanwhile, the Jal Jeevan mission is dedicated to providing piped water to all rural households by 2024.
The Atal Bhujal Yojana is a central sector scheme designed for sustainable groundwater management through community participation.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, initiated in July 2019, is a campaign for water conservation and water security across the country.
Finally, the National Water Awards highlight the excellent work and efforts made by individuals and organisations nationwide to support the government’s vision for water-rich (Jal Samridh) India.
