Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Catch the Rain" campaign, aimed at raising public awareness on water conservation, has rapidly gained momentum, transforming into a mass movement.
With its focus on rainwater harvesting, the initiative highlights the importance of collective action to safeguard the future of water resources. In a recent statement, PM Modi emphasised that water conservation is not merely a project but a sacred cause crucial for future generations. He highlighted that water is key to humanity’s survival and urged everyone to actively participate in the effort.
The campaign was officially launched on September 6 in Surat’s Indoor Stadium by PM Modi, and in just over a month, it has made notable progress across Gujarat. The state has initiated 8,817 water conservation projects, with over 4,500 of them already completed.
These projects are expected to significantly boost the state’s water storage capacity and inspire other states to adopt similar measures. The initiative calls on citizens to unite and address the urgent issue of water scarcity, particularly in the context of climate change, where water resources are becoming increasingly limited.
The next phase of the "Catch the Rain" campaign is set to expand to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. A special event will take place in Surat’s Indoor Stadium on Sunday, where the Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat will be present, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, CR Patil.
The campaign’s focus on public participation will be a key factor in its success as community involvement plays a central role in implementing rainwater harvesting efforts.
Prominent industry and community leaders from these states, who now reside in Surat, will also be actively involved in promoting the initiative in their respective home states. They have taken up the responsibility of undertaking water conservation projects in almost every village in their districts.
This marks a significant shift in how water conservation is viewed, as it moves from being a government initiative to a widespread community-driven effort.
During the launch, PM Modi made it clear that addressing water scarcity cannot be achieved by government policies alone. India, which holds only 4% of the world’s potable water, faces a critical challenge, especially as groundwater levels are rapidly declining in many regions.
The Prime Minister reiterated that collective responsibility is necessary to reverse this trend. He expressed confidence that through public participation, the "Catch the Rain" campaign will lead the country toward sustainable water management, ensuring a secure water future for all.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has outlined a phased plan to expand the campaign across India. After its initial success in Gujarat, where over 4,500 projects have already been completed, the ministry is keen to replicate this success in other states. Preparations for the second phase in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar are already underway, with key announcements expected at the Surat event.
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