The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has expanded its nationwide 'Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls' campaign under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, aiming to strengthen urban water security through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and restoration of water bodies across India.

The initiative aligns with the government's focus on sustainable water conservation and climate-resilient urban development while encouraging greater public participation in protecting water resources.

Nearly 900 Urban Local Bodies Join the Campaign

According to the ministry, nearly 900 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 27 States and Union Territories have participated in the campaign to improve water conservation and promote sustainable urban water management.

The programme is being implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Jal Shakti under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan–Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0, supporting long-term water security in urban areas.

Groundwater Recharge Projects Expanded

As part of the campaign, 1,99,278 groundwater recharge structures have been taken up in 79 Municipal Corporations, while another 73,036 recharge structures are under implementation across 738 Urban Local Bodies.

These projects are designed to improve groundwater levels, enhance rainwater harvesting and reduce water scarcity in cities.

Read more: India Faces Risk of Weak Monsoon as Rainfall Forecast Drops

Scientific Water Management Under AMRUT 2.0

The Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Programme under AMRUT 2.0 is introducing scientific solutions to improve groundwater replenishment.

Cities including Burdwan (West Bengal) and Vizianagaram (Andhra Pradesh) have installed recharge pits integrated with injection borewells to channel rainwater into underground aquifers.

Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) has adopted rooftop rainwater harvesting systems with storage facilities, while Korba (Chhattisgarh) and Warangal (Telangana) have operationalised recharge structures ahead of the monsoon season to maximise rainwater collection.

1.21 Lakh Acres of Water Bodies Being Restored

A major component of the programme focuses on rejuvenating nearly 1.21 lakh acres of urban water bodies across the country.

The restoration work includes desilting lakes and ponds, improving inlet and outlet systems, strengthening shorelines, enhancing biodiversity and increasing water storage capacity.

These measures are expected to improve groundwater recharge, reduce urban flooding and support healthier urban ecosystems.

Green Spaces to Improve Urban Environment

Alongside water conservation projects, more than 12,750 acres of parks and green spaces are being developed under AMRUT 2.0.

The ministry said these green infrastructure projects will help lower urban heat, improve environmental sustainability, enhance groundwater recharge and provide better public spaces for residents.

Towards Water-Secure and Climate-Resilient Cities

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said the combined initiatives under AMRUT 2.0 are helping create more water-secure and climate-resilient cities through sustainable water management and community participation.

Officials emphasised that conserving every drop of water today will strengthen India's long-term water security and support sustainable urban development.