Rainwater Harvesting: Government Policies & Updates in India (2025)

As India grapples with escalating water scarcity, both central and state governments have intensified efforts to promote rainwater harvesting (RWH). From stringent regulations to community-driven initiatives, 2025 has witnessed significant policy shifts aimed at conserving water and replenishing groundwater reserves.

1. Central Government's Nationwide Initiative

In October 2024, the central government launched the 'Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari' campaign, aiming to construct one million rainwater harvesting structures nationwide before the 2025 monsoon. This initiative, inspired by successful models in Gujarat, emphasizes community participation and integrates with the existing 'Catch the Rain' campaign to bolster groundwater recharge efforts.

2. Rajasthan's Mandatory Rainwater Harvesting Regulations

Rajasthan, one of India's driest states, has implemented stringent RWH mandates:

• All new residential buildings measuring 225 square meters or more, and commercial buildings of 500 square meters or more, must incorporate RWH systems.

• The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) will deny water connections to non-compliant structures.

• Under the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan 2.0, the state plans to construct 500,000 water harvesting structures across 20,000 villages over the next four years. 

3. Noida's Enforcement of Rainwater Harvesting Norms

The Noida Authority has intensified enforcement of RWH regulations.

• Buildings on plots larger than 300 square meters must have functional RWH systems to obtain occupancy certificates.

• Property owners were instructed to clean and restore their RWH systems by March 31, 2025.

• From April 1, 2025, officials commenced on-site inspections, imposing penalties and potentially canceling plot allotments for non-compliance. 

4. Bengaluru's Penalties for Non-Compliance

Despite mandates, Bengaluru faces challenges in RWH adoption:

• In January 2025, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) collected ₹2.7 crore in penalties from approximately 42,000 non-compliant properties.

• Only 11% of government buildings have implemented RWH systems, prompting intensified inspections and enforcement measures. 

5. Hyderabad's 'Prathi Intlo Inkudu Guntha' Campaign

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) launched the 'Prathi Intlo Inkudu Guntha' campaign to promote RWH:

• From October 2, 2024, construction of RWH pits became mandatory for houses with an area of 300 square meters and above.

• Starting January 2025, defaulters are charged ₹1,000 per water tanker delivery, doubling the previous rate, to encourage compliance. 

6. Delhi's Integration of Rainwater Harvesting in Climate Planning

The Delhi High Court emphasized the integration of RWH into the city's climate resilience strategies:

• Acknowledging efforts by the Delhi Jal Board and government, the court highlighted the importance of RWH in both private and public structures.

• Incentives, such as water tariff rebates, are offered to encourage the adoption of RWH and wastewater recycling systems. 

7. MoHUA's Nationwide Rainwater Harvesting Implementation

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), under the 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' initiative, has directed:

• Implementation of RWH systems in all government premises, including offices, institutions, and residential colonies.

• Utilization of affordable methods and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for constructing RWH structures.

• Regular mapping, maintenance, and monitoring of existing RWH systems to ensure functionality. 

Conclusion

The year 2025 marks a significant shift in India's approach to water conservation, with both central and state governments implementing robust policies to promote rainwater harvesting. From mandatory installations in new constructions to community-driven campaigns, these initiatives aim to address the pressing issue of water scarcity and ensure sustainable water management for the future.