India's Jal Sanchay Campaign Crosses 1.55 Crore Water Structures

India's Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) campaign has now created more than 1.55 crore artificial recharge and water storage structures, according to a government factsheet released on Monday.

The document estimates that 23 lakh water structures, assessed using rainfall data from June to December 2025, have together contributed to roughly 2.43 billion cubic metres of groundwater recharge.

The government describes the programme as a model that blends community participation, efficient use of available resources, digital monitoring and physical water infrastructure. It says this blend is helping build a solid base for water security nationwide.

JSJB has been merged with the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain initiative. Its goals include rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water conservation, creation of water assets and encouraging public involvement.

Low-cost measures that suit local conditions have been promoted throughout the campaign. Officials note that such sustainable water management is also improving the country's ability to adapt to climate change.

The initiative has drawn in Panchayati Raj institutions, urban local bodies, women's groups, youth bodies, academic institutions, civil society organisations and local communities. These groups are contributing to planning, execution and community engagement in water conservation projects.

According to the government, the JSJB: Catch the Rain portal and mobile app have been important tools for improving transparency, strengthening oversight and gathering responses from citizens.

The campaign is rooted in the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched in 2019, which promoted rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, catchment area development, water body revival, afforestation and public participation in 1,592 water-stressed blocks across 256 districts.

The factsheet states that water conservation has grown from a government-led activity into a community-based mass movement. Initiatives such as Catch the Rain and JSJB are encouraging rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and the revival of traditional water sources.

The government believes that scientific planning, local ownership and effective resource coordination are strengthening water security, while supporting rural livelihoods and improving resilience to climate-related challenges.