Rajnandgaon's Mission Jal Raksha: Catch the Rain Initiative
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh has emerged as a leader in the nationwide #CatchTheRain campaign by preparing in advance for monsoon rainwater harvesting. Its 'Mission Jal Raksha' demonstrates a science-based, community-led approach to groundwater recharge and long-term water security.
Background
The #CatchTheRain campaign is a national initiative to promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Rajnandgaon district implemented 'Mission Jal Raksha' using modern technology and community participation to prepare for the monsoon.
Key facts
Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh is leading the #CatchTheRain campaign with its 'Mission Jal Raksha' initiative.
The initiative uses GIS mapping, remote sensing, aquifer mapping, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and ridge-to-valley planning.
Over 60,000 water conservation and recharge structures built across 662 villages.
More than 500 defunct borewells converted into recharge shafts.
Over 600 injection wells and 1,700+ small percolation tanks constructed.
2,500+ water sources geo-tagged.
Generated over 51 lakh person-days of employment.
Groundwater levels rose by an average of about 2.04 metres.
About 70% of summer paddy area shifted to less water-intensive crops, reducing groundwater stress.
Community participation includes farmers, women, youth, gram panchayats, and local communities.
Prelims pointers
- Mission Jal Raksha
- #CatchTheRain campaign
- GIS mapping, remote sensing, aquifer mapping, DEM
- Ridge-to-valley planning
- Recharge shafts, injection wells, percolation tanks
- Geo-tagging of water sources
- Person-days employment under MGNREGA (implied)
- Chhattisgarh
- Rajnandgaon district
Mains angles
- GS3: Conservation of water resources, groundwater recharge, rainwater harvesting.
- GS2: Role of community participation and local governance in water management.
- GS3: Technological interventions in water conservation (GIS, remote sensing).
- GS3: Climate change adaptation through sustainable water management.
- GS3: Interlinking of water conservation with employment generation (MGNREGA).