Backgrounder: Catch the Rain campaign renewed
Following the Prime Minister’s 28 June 2026 Mann Ki Baat call, a nationwide Catch the Rain campaign ran from 4 July to 4 August 2026. Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 2.0, launched 1 June 2026, integrates with Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain. Against a target of 1 crore recharge structures by 31 May 2026, more than 1.5 crore were reported.
- MKB call
- 135th episode, 28 Jun 2026
- Drive
- 4 Jul to 4 Aug 2026
- JSJB 1.0
- 6 Sep 2024 launch; >27 lakh structures vs 10 lakh target (Apr 2024 to May 2025)
- JSJB 2.0
- Launched 1 Jun 2026; >1.5 crore structures vs 1 crore target by 31 May 2026
- JSA: CTR origin
- 22 Mar 2021, World Water Day
- Theme origin
- Catch the Rain, where it falls, when it falls
The Catch the Rain water conservation campaign: what happened?
Catch the Rain is the annual rainwater-harvesting jan andolan under Jal Shakti Abhiyan. Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari adds community, CSR and cost (3Cs) to build low-cost recharge structures.
- Tasks listed: rooftop harvesting; recharge pits/shafts; restore baolis and wells; desilt ponds; plant trees in retention areas.
- Convergence named with employment guarantee and other Central/State schemes.
- Jal Shakti Kendras are the district institutional arm.
How did annual themes evolve?
- 2021: where it falls, when it falls.
- 2022: expanding conservation and restoration.
- Later years: water-stressed districts; Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti (2024).
Why does the Catch the Rain water conservation campaign matter?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| Water | Rainwater harvesting as mass campaign. |
| Federal | Jal Shakti Kendras and State/UT delivery. |
| Community | 3Cs: Community, CSR, Cost. |
What are the challenges in the Catch the Rain water conservation campaign?
- Reported structure counts need verification on the ground.
- Urban harvesting still lags rural jan andolan imagery.
What should be done next on the Catch the Rain water conservation campaign?
- Verify and geo-tag new structures.
- Keep JSJB-CTR convergence through the monsoon.
- Strengthen Jal Shakti Kendras.
What can Prelims ask on the Catch the Rain water conservation campaign?
- JSA: CTR from 22 Mar 2021.
- JSJB 1.0: >27 lakh vs 10 lakh target.
- JSJB 2.0: >1.5 crore vs 1 crore by 31 May 2026.
- 2026 drive: 4 Jul to 4 Aug after MKB 28 Jun.
How to write about the Catch the Rain water conservation campaign in Mains
Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): Rainwater harvesting succeeds only as a people’s movement with local structures. Discuss Catch the Rain and JSJB.
- Intro: 2026 drive.
- JSA: CTR lineage.
- JSJB 1.0/2.0 numbers.
- 3Cs and JSKs.
- Conclusion: verify assets.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-07-19): after the PM's 28 Jun 2026 Mann Ki Baat call, a nationwide Catch the Rain campaign was undertaken to save rainwater.
- Groundwater recharge.
Quotable data pointAfter the PM's 28 Jun 2026 Mann Ki Baat call, a nationwide Catch the Rain campaign was undertaken to save rainwater.
PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Catch the Rain, 19 Jul 2026
Exam angle
Prelims: JSA.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain was launched on
Answer (b) & explanation
PIB Catch the Rain backgrounder, 19 Jul 2026.
JSJB 2.0 reported more than how many artificial recharge structures against a 1 crore target?
Answer (d) & explanation
PIB backgrounder, 19 Jul 2026.
Questions students ask about this
When did Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain begin?
22 March 2021 (World Water Day).
What did JSJB 2.0 report against its recharge-structure target?
More than 1.5 crore structures against a 1 crore target by 31 May 2026.
What are the 3Cs of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari?
Community, CSR and Cost.
What dates did the 2026 focused Catch the Rain drive cover?
4 July to 4 August 2026.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Catch the Rain, 19 Jul 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending