A landmark achievement in India’s water conservation saga: more than 3.96 million artificial recharge and harvesting structures stand complete under the September 2024-launched ‘Catch the Rain’ public participation drive. This initiative is rapidly restoring the country’s groundwater reserves.
By promoting rainwater capture, source rejuvenation, borewell injections, and shaft-based recharges, the program directly tackles falling water tables, securing supplies for agriculture, households, and nature.
Customized to local geographies, the national Master Plan for Artificial Recharge sets a vision for 14.2 million structures to infuse 185 billion cubic meters into aquifers, heralding a new era of abundance.
Groundwater underpins 60% of irrigation and urban needs but is strained by overuse, degradation, and global warming. The government’s blueprint integrates regulatory tweaks, research, buildouts, and citizen action for enduring solutions.
Jal Shakti’s ecosystem boasts 43,000 monitoring stations, 712 hubs, and 53,264 testing facilities. In water-vulnerable regions, Atal Bhujal—started Christmas 2019—has enhanced usage over 668,000 hectares in seven states, fueled by Rs 6,000 crore emphasizing community empowerment.
Since April 2022, Mission Amrit Sarovar has delivered 68,000 ponds, each a one-acre reservoir holding 10,000 cubic meters, synergizing with broader missions for village water security.
From the shared Model Groundwater Bill (embraced by 21 entities) to campaigns like Jal Shakti Abhiyan and integrated plans, these pillars ensure vigilant oversight and wise stewardship. Ongoing state collaborations through events amplify the momentum.
As crises loom, India’s proactive groundwater strategy exemplifies adaptive resilience, blending innovation with collective resolve for sustainable prosperity.