‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign Kicks Off in Gujarat: Over 80,000 Structures to Boost Water Security

Gujarat recently witnessed the launch of 'Catch the Rain' campaign, which is aimed at constructing over 80,000 rainwater harvesting systems across the state. This project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's larger vision to address the problem of groundwater depletion.

The event was held at Surat's indoor stadium under the leadership of Union Hydropower Minister C.R. Patil. The Chief Ministers of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, were also present at the event alongside Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

"On this occasion that we have all come together is an example of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. Right now there are four chief ministers of the states but now the work has to be done so that all the chief ministers from all the states come together. I hope that this program will inspire the entire country and will do a great job in the field of water harvesting. Water management is very important as it flows," Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel said while addressing the crowd.

Water depletion has become a major issue for the country in recent years. Earlier this year, Moody’s Ratings raised a warning signal that significant water shortages in the nation could weaken the country's sovereign credit strength.

This recent initiative is expected to play a key role in addressing groundwater depletion issues. As per a government official, the mission titled ‘Jal Sanchay: Jan Bhagidari Se Jan Andolan,’ highlights the significance of community participation in creating recharge structures nationwide.

During the event, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma pointed out that initiatives originating in Gujarat have the potential to impact the entire country. He highlighted that water harvesting is a long-standing tradition in Rajasthan, and that the state "will benefit the most from this movement.”