Odisha has intensified its water conservation efforts under the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign, translating public awareness into large-scale action through rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies and community participation.
The campaign follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on June 28, 2026, urging citizens to conserve every drop of rainwater.
According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Odisha has adopted a multi-pronged approach combining public awareness, behavioural change, institutional participation and the creation of water conservation infrastructure.
As part of the campaign, the state organised 968 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, including street plays, folk performances, community engagement programmes and awareness campaigns on rainwater harvesting and groundwater conservation. Khordha recorded the highest number of awareness programmes with 230 activities, followed by Angul with 124. Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur and Subarnapur each conducted 62 activities, while Mayurbhanj organised 60, Nayagarh and Puri 50 each, and Ganjam 20.
Educational institutions have also played a key role in the campaign through awareness programmes, induction sessions and technical interactions that introduce students to groundwater science, hydrological processes and rainwater harvesting systems, with the objective of creating long-term water conservation advocates.
Alongside awareness initiatives, Odisha has completed 905 rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures across the state. These include 849 rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) structures—21 in government buildings and 828 in private buildings—and 56 recharge shafts aimed at improving groundwater replenishment.
Among the districts, Ganjam accounted for the highest number of rooftop rainwater harvesting structures with 330, followed by Khordha (121), Mayurbhanj (94), Cuttack (62), Sambalpur (54), Sundargarh (53) and Kendrapara (48). Recharge shafts were constructed in Jajpur (45), Kendrapara (10) and Sundargarh (1).
The ministry said these interventions represent a shift from awareness to adoption, with households installing rainwater harvesting systems becoming active participants in local water management, while recharge shafts help channel rainwater into underground aquifers to strengthen groundwater resources.
Odisha has also prioritised the restoration of traditional water bodies under the state’s Improvement to Tanks and Minor Irrigation Projects Scheme. As part of the initiative, 98 tanks across all 30 districts have been taken up for renovation and desilting to improve water storage capacity, enhance groundwater recharge and strengthen irrigation and rural water security.
The campaign has further been complemented by plantation drives at irrigation projects, groundwater offices and water infrastructure sites to improve soil stability, reduce erosion, enhance water infiltration and support healthier catchment ecosystems.
According to the ministry, Odisha’s implementation of the Catch the Rain campaign demonstrates how community participation, institutional collaboration and water conservation infrastructure can work together to strengthen long-term water security and climate resilience while encouraging citizens to play an active role in conserving and recharging rainwater.
