Odisha Intensifies Catch the Rain 2026: Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Following the Prime Minister's call in the 135th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on 28 June 2026 to conserve every drop of rainwater, Odisha has accelerated its efforts under the 'Catch the Rain 2026' campaign. The state is transforming public awareness into concrete water conservation outcomes, including rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and restoration of traditional water bodies.
Background
The 'Catch the Rain' campaign is a national initiative by the Government of India to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge across the country. Odisha has adopted a multi-pronged approach combining community outreach, behavior change, institutional participation, and construction of water conservation assets.
Key facts
Odisha conducted 968 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities across districts, including street plays, folk performances, and awareness drives.
District-wise IEC activities: Khurda (230), Angul (124), Cuttack/Kendrapara/Jajpur/Sundargarh/Jharsuguda/Nabarangpur/Subarnapur (62 each), Mayurbhanj (60), Nayagarh/Puri (50 each), Ganjam (20).
Completed 905 rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures: 849 rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures (21 in government buildings, 828 in private buildings) and 56 recharge shafts.
District-wise RWH structures: Ganjam (330), Khordha (121), Mayurbhanj (94), Cuttack (62), Sambalpur (54), Sundargarh (53), Kendrapara (48), Jharsuguda (25), Bargarh (16), Puri (13), Nayagarh (12), Angul (10), Nabarangpur (7), Balangir (4).
Recharge shafts: Jajpur (45), Kendrapara (10), Sundargarh (1).
Under the state plan's Pond Improvement and Minor Irrigation Project scheme, restoration and desilting of 98 ponds across all 30 districts has been initiated.
Tree plantation drives are being carried out at irrigation projects, groundwater offices, and water infrastructure sites to improve soil stability, reduce erosion, and enhance water infiltration.
Educational institutions are being engaged to train students in groundwater science, hydrological processes, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Prelims pointers
- Catch the Rain campaign: National initiative for rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
- Mann Ki Baat: 135th episode on 28 June 2026.
- IEC: Information, Education and Communication activities.
- RWH: Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting.
- Pond Improvement and Minor Irrigation Project: State scheme for pond restoration.
- Ministry of Jal Shakti: Overseeing ministry.
- Odisha districts: Khurda, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, etc.
Mains angles
- GS3: Conservation of water resources – discuss the role of community participation and awareness in water conservation.
- GS2: Government initiatives and their implementation – evaluate the effectiveness of 'Catch the Rain' campaign in addressing groundwater depletion.
- GS3: Environmental sustainability – examine the importance of traditional water bodies in climate resilience.