Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil on Saturday launched the nationwide campaign "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2025" from Panchkula, Haryana, emphasising that water conservation is the need of the hour.
Addressing a gathering at the event, Patil highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making water conservation a people’s movement, stating that today’s initiative is a reflection of that commitment.
He reiterated that water cannot be created, and future generations will judge the present efforts based on how well water is conserved.
The event was also attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who urged every citizen to save every drop of water and pledged the full support of Haryana’s people in making the campaign a success. Saini welcomed Patil to Haryana, calling it the sacred land of Lord Shri Krishna, and thanked PM Modi for choosing the state to launch this crucial initiative.
During his address, Patil noted that water scarcity had been a pressing concern, but under PM Modi’s leadership, efforts have been made to mitigate the crisis. He pointed out that 25 lakh women across the country have been trained to check the quality of water in their homes and villages, ensuring access to safe drinking water.
He further criticised previous Congress-led governments, alleging that during their 70-year rule, there was no initiative to supply water to homes, forcing women to fetch water from distant sources, often of poor quality.
The minister highlighted the Jal Jeevan Mission, which ensures that the Har Ghar Jal scheme provides 55 liters of water per person. However, he warned that if underground water resources are depleted, future generations will struggle with severe shortages.
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Stressing the importance of rainwater harvesting, he said that the Prime Minister firmly believes that water for villages should stay in villages, and water for fields should remain in fields. To achieve this, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has devised various strategies, which will also be implemented in Haryana.
Patil also addressed Haryana’s inter-state water issues, stating that a meeting with the chief ministers of concerned states will be held soon to resolve disputes and ensure Haryana receives its rightful share of water.
Acknowledging that Haryana is a progressive state but dependent on external water sources, he stressed that both the government and citizens must take proactive steps to prevent future shortages.
Echoing these sentiments, CM Saini called on every Haryanvi to become "Jal Mitras" and actively participate in the Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
He described the initiative as not just a campaign, but a movement and a revolution aimed at securing India’s water future. Saini emphasised that PM Modi’s leadership has transformed governance with major initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, and water conservation, which have become nationwide movements.
The Haryana CM further stressed that India holds only 4 per cent of the world’s total fresh water while supporting 18% of the global population, making efficient water conservation critical. He pointed out that Haryana has limited water resources and relies on other states and groundwater, both of which have restrictions.
Therefore, the state is focusing on rainwater harvesting and conservation as a third alternative, and the government has already introduced multiple water conservation programs in agriculture, industry, and housing sectors.
As the event concluded, both Patil and Saini reaffirmed their commitment to making water conservation a national priority, with active public participation playing a key role in securing sustainable water management for future generations.
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