Catch the Rain: National Appeal for Water Conservation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 135th episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' on 28 June 2026 appealed to conserve every drop of rainwater. This led to a nationwide campaign from 4 July to 4 August 2026 focusing on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and restoration of traditional water bodies.
Background
The government launched 'Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari' (JSJB) 1.0 on 6 September 2024 in Surat, Gujarat, based on the 3Cs: Community, CSR, and Cost. It exceeded its target of 10 lakh groundwater recharge structures by constructing over 27 lakh structures. JSJB 2.0 was launched on 1 June 2025, targeting 1 crore structures by 31 May 2026, with over 1.5 crore structures reported. The current phase, JSJB: Catch the Rain (2026), combines JSJB with the earlier 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain'.
Key facts
PM Modi in 'Mann Ki Baat' on 28 June 2026 urged citizens to save every drop of rainwater.
A nationwide campaign was conducted from 4 July to 4 August 2026 for rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water sources, tree plantation, and public participation.
JSJB 1.0 (6 Sep 2024 – 31 May 2025) built over 27 lakh artificial groundwater recharge structures, surpassing the target of 10 lakh.
JSJB 2.0 (1 June 2025 – 31 May 2026) targeted 1 crore structures; over 1.5 crore structures were reported, exceeding the target by 50%.
JSJB: Catch the Rain (2026) was launched on 1 June 2026, merging JSJB with 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain'.
The 3Cs of JSJB are Community, CSR, and Cost.
Outstanding performers of JSJB 1.0 were honoured during the 6th National Water Awards in November 2025.
Physical verification and field certification of structures under JSJB 2.0 are ongoing.
Prelims pointers
- JSJB: Catch the Rain (2026) launched on 1 June 2026
- JSJB 1.0 launched on 6 September 2024 in Surat, Gujarat
- JSJB 2.0 launched on 1 June 2025
- 6th National Water Awards held in November 2025
- 3Cs: Community, CSR, Cost
- Target of JSJB 2.0: 1 crore structures by 31 May 2026
- Over 1.5 crore structures reported under JSJB 2.0
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) merged with JSJB
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of community-led water conservation initiatives like JSJB in addressing India's water crisis.
- Critically examine the role of CSR and government schemes in scaling up groundwater recharge structures.
- Analyse the impact of 'Catch the Rain' campaigns on groundwater levels and water security in water-stressed regions.