Towards Water-Secure Cities: MoHUA Accelerates ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign Across Urban India

Why in news

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is accelerating the 'Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls' campaign across urban India under AMRUT 2.0, mobilizing over 900 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for water conservation, groundwater recharge, and water body rejuvenation.

Exam relevance

GS1, GS2, GS3 · Environment & Ecology, Governance, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The 'Catch the Rain' campaign is being accelerated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) across urban India.
2. The campaign aims to advance water conservation, groundwater recharge, and water body rejuvenation interventions.
3. It is being implemented under AMRUT 2.0, strengthening water security and climate resilience in cities.
4. The campaign has seen active participation from 27 States and Union Territories and around 900 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
5. Under the campaign, 1.21 Lakh Acres of Water Bodies and 12,750 Acres of Green Spaces are being revitalized.
6. In convergence with MoJS under Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, 1,99,278 recharge structures have been taken up by 79 Municipal Corporations.
7. Additionally, 73,036 recharge structures are being implemented across 738 Urban Local Bodies.
8. The Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme is also being implemented under AMRUT 2.0 to enhance groundwater recharge.

Prelims pointers

• 'Catch the Rain' is a campaign by MoHUA focusing on rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
• The campaign is implemented under AMRUT 2.0.
• It involves Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across States and Union Territories.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0 is a related initiative mentioned in the context of recharge structures.
• The Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme is part of AMRUT 2.0.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the role of campaigns like 'Catch the Rain' in achieving urban water security and climate resilience in India. Discuss the challenges in their implementation and suggest measures for greater effectiveness.

Static linkage

The 'Catch the Rain' campaign is a nationwide initiative that aligns with broader government efforts towards water conservation and sustainable urban development. It is being advanced under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, which focuses on making cities water secure and self-sustainable. The campaign also converges with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, emphasizing community participation in water management.

Significance

The acceleration of the 'Catch the Rain' campaign is significant for enhancing urban water security and climate resilience by promoting sustainable water management practices. It addresses the critical issues of groundwater depletion and the degradation of urban water bodies and green spaces. By involving numerous ULBs and fostering community participation, the campaign contributes to a decentralized and inclusive approach to water conservation, crucial for long-term environmental sustainability and public health in urban areas.