Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil chaired a high-level review meeting with District Collectors from 151 districts under Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain and 80 districts under Atal Bhujal Yojana.
The meeting focused on assessing progress, addressing challenges, and sharing best practices in water conservation and groundwater management across the country.
During the discussions, Hon’ble Minister Shri C.R. Patil outlined critical measures to further accelerate water conservation efforts. The minister emphasised the need for dedicated monitoring officers in every district, responsible for overseeing and reporting progress under Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Atal Bhujal Yojana. HMoJS also stressed that all government buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities must install rainwater harvesting systems to maximise water conservation efforts.
To ensure large-scale impact, the Minister highlighted the importance of financial convergence, urging districts to effectively utilise MGNREGA, the 15th Finance Commission, the District Mineral Fund, CSR contributions, and community participation to implement projects. He called for scaling up mass awareness campaigns and engaging communities in water conservation efforts, emphasising that sustainable change can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in protecting water resources. Additionally, he directed urban local bodies to integrate rainwater recharge structures into city planning to mitigate water logging and enhance groundwater recharge.
The Minister cited the recent achievement in Navsari, where, during Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit on Women’s Day, 1,100 rainwater harvesting structures were created within 24 hours through community participation. This, he noted, exemplifies how collective will and coordinated efforts can lead to transformational change. He further urged all District Collectors to proactively address water security challenges, apply best practices, and work towards making their districts water-secure.
The review meeting witnessed the presentation of successful water conservation models by top-performing districts, showcasing innovative approaches for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and demand-side management.
Among the best practices shared, Barmer, Rajasthan demonstrated how the construction of 45,000+ traditional tankas (rainwater harvesting structures) and check dams has improved water availability in the Thar Desert region. Other initiatives included the revival of traditional rainwater harvesting structures, the use of treated wastewater for industrial use, and the promotion of horticulture with low-water-consuming crops such as pomegranate (Thar ka Anar) and figs. Additionally, the district effectively utilised CSR funds for water conservation efforts.
In Alwar, Rajasthan, several innovative interventions were highlighted, including the use of Building as Learning Aids (BaLA) to integrate water conservation awareness into education, restoration of heritage water bodies, creation of urban green spaces (Nagavan), and the rejuvenation of the Ruparel River, which has resulted in a 9-meter rise in groundwater levels.
Meanwhile, Mehsana, Gujarat adopted an institutional approach by installing rainwater harvesting systems in government buildings and constructing recharge borewells, significantly improving groundwater availability in water-stressed tehsils.
Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh implemented an integrated approach combining artificial recharge structures with crop diversification, shifting from traditional paddy cultivation to water-efficient crops like pulses and millets. These efforts underscore the effectiveness of decentralised, community-driven water conservation measures in addressing India’s water security challenges.
Water conservation has been prioritised as a national mission, with strategic interventions under Atal Bhujal Yojana, and the broader water security framework.
Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, water conservation has become a national movement, with Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain at the forefront of this transformative journey. The Prime Minister’s call for ‘Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls’ has galvanised a mass movement, encouraging rural and urban communities alike to take ownership of water conservation efforts.The Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the importance of community participation, scientific water management, and sustainable practices, leading to remarkable success stories across the nation.
The government remains committed to scaling up best practices, mobilising resources, and fostering community participation to transform India’s water conservation landscape and ensure long-term water security. The Ministry of Jal Shakti will continue to work closely with state governments, district administrations, and local communities to achieve these ambitious goals, ensuring that India moves towards a sustainable and water-secure future.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary; Secretary, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee; Additional Secretaries Ms. Archana Verma and Mr. Subodh Yadav, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti. District Collectors from across the country joined virtually.
