Jal Shakti Abhiyan 2025: Strengthening Rainwater Harvesting for Water Security

🌧️ Campaign Overview

The campaign, themed “जल संचय जन भागीदारी: जन जागरूकता की ओर” (People’s Action for Water Conservation – Towards Intensified Community Connect), aims to promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge through community participation . It targets 148 districts across India, focusing on both rural and urban areas during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, from March 22 to November 30, 2025 .

🔧 Key Activities

The campaign encompasses several initiatives to enhance water conservation efforts:

• Desilting and cleaning of water bodies: To increase rainwater storage capacity.

• Construction of rainwater harvesting structures: Including rooftop systems, water harvesting pits, and check dams.

• Renovation of traditional water harvesting systems: Such as step-wells and defunct borewells.

• Removal of encroachments and obstructions: In channels bringing water from catchment areas.

• Establishment of Rain Centres: In each district to provide technical guidance on rainwater harvesting.

These activities aim to create sustainable water storage solutions suitable for local climatic conditions and subsoil strata .

👩‍🌾 Emphasis on Women's Role

The campaign underscores the pivotal role of women in water conservation efforts. It recognizes the disproportionate burden women bear in water collection and their significant contributions to sustainable water practices. The initiative aims to empower women as leaders and decision-makers in water resource management .

🏆 Awards and Recognition

To encourage active participation, the campaign includes awards for progressive farmers, women, Water User Associations (WUAs), industries, and NGOs for their contributions to water conservation. Additionally, the launch event featured a Painting and Sculpture Exhibition to showcase artistic expressions focused on water conservation .

📍 Local Impact in Delhi

In Delhi, the campaign's implementation focuses on urban water conservation strategies, including the promotion of rooftop rainwater harvesting systems and the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies. Local authorities are encouraged to collaborate with communities to enhance water storage capacities and ensure sustainable water management practices.

🌐 Conclusion

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 is a significant step towards achieving water security in India. By fostering community involvement and emphasizing sustainable water management practices, the campaign aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water scarcity. The active participation of citizens, especially women, is crucial for the success of this initiative.