Jal Shakti Abhiyan Drives Community-Led Water Conservation Across India

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), launched in 2019, has emerged as India's flagship campaign for community-driven water conservation, covering 256 water-stressed districts across the country. The initiative has evolved over successive phases to place community participation at the heart of sustainable water management.

Evolution of the Campaign

Building on the original Jal Shakti Abhiyan, the government launched Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) in 2021, extending the reach of water harvesting and conservation efforts. The latest phase, JSA: CTR 2025, carries the theme "Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari"—emphasising people's participation in water storage as a cornerstone of the mission.

The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

Launched on September 6, 2024 in Surat, the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) initiative focuses on low-cost rainwater harvesting solutions that communities can adopt independently. The programme is guided by the 3Cs principle: Community, CSR, and Cost-effectiveness, ensuring that outcomes are both participatory and financially sustainable.

Innovative Regional Models

Several states have developed distinctive models under the broader Jal Shakti framework:

• Karmbhoomi se Matribhoomi: A cross-state programme enabling Non-Resident Indians to fund groundwater recharge in their native districts
• Jal Tara Model (Maharashtra): Standardised recharge pits built in agricultural areas to replenish groundwater
• 5% Model (Chhattisgarh): Terraced recharge structures on 5 per cent of cultivable land to capture runoff
• Banaskantha Model (Gujarat): Artificial recharge structures funded through Corporate Social Responsibility contributions

Financing and Institutional Support

The campaign leverages convergent funding through MGNREGS, AMRUT, PMKSY, CAMPA, and Finance Commission grants, ensuring that water conservation activities are integrated with existing rural development programmes. The National Water Mission collaborates with the Department of Youth Affairs and the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan for grassroots mobilisation. Panchayati Raj Institutions, Women Self Help Groups, and local youth organisations play a key role in driving awareness and implementation at the village level.