Nationwide Water Conservation Drive Launched as PM's Call to Action Resonates Across India

A nationwide campaign called 'Catch the Rain' was undertaken to intensify rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, launched in 2024, mobilized community participation and corporate contributions to accelerate water conservation efforts.

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Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01The Hon'ble Prime Minister called upon citizens to save every drop of rain and ensure that the momentum of water conservation continues across the country.
02A focused nationwide campaign was undertaken from 4 July to 4 August 2026 to intensify rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, plantation activities, and public participation.
03The initiative 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' (JSJB) was launched on 6th September 2024 in Surat, Gujarat, with the aim of making water conservation a national priority.
04JSJB 1.0 implemented from 1 April 2024 to 31 May 2025 surpassed its target of constructing at least 10 lakh groundwater recharge structures, with more than 27 lakh artificial recharge structures reported across the country.
05The second phase of JSJB (JSJB 2.0) was launched on 1 June 2025 with a special focus on accelerating groundwater recharge in Over-Exploited and Critical districts through low-cost, hyper-local interventions.
06Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari focuses on constructing low-cost groundwater recharge and water storage structures, revival of defunct borewells, and adoption of scientifically designed, locally appropriate solutions.
07Catch the Rain is a nationwide campaign aimed at intensifying rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, plantation activities, and public participation.

Trap alerts

Most people think Catch the Rain is a new initiative launched in 2026, but actually it is an ongoing national call for water conservation.
Most people think Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) was launched to address only groundwater recharge issues, but actually it focuses on constructing low-cost groundwater recharge and water storage structures, revival of defunct borewells, and adoption of scientifically designed, locally appropriate solutions.

Current-affairs link

The National Water Policy 2012 emphasizes the importance of community participation in water conservation efforts and encourages states to develop their own water policies.

Mains Practice Question

Critically examine the principles guiding the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative, and discuss its implications for community-led water conservation efforts.

250 words

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Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

Which national campaign was undertaken from 4 July to 4 August 2026?

A.Catch the Rain
B.Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari
C.Harit Bharat Abhiyan
D.Swachh Bharat Mission

Catch the Rain is a nationwide campaign launched to intensify rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and other water conservation activities.

Single factmedium

What was the target of constructing at least how many groundwater recharge structures under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari?

A.5 lakh
B.10 lakh
C.15 lakh
D.20 lakh

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 1.0 aimed to construct at least 10 lakh groundwater recharge structures, surpassing its target.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding Catch the Rain campaign: 1. The Catch the Rain campaign was launched in July 2025. 2. The campaign was undertaken from 4 July to 4 August 2026. 3. The Hon'ble Prime Minister called upon citizens to save every drop of rain and ensure that the momentum of water conservation continues across the country. How many of the above statements are correct?

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