With the arrival of monsoon at the threshold of Uttar Pradesh, the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign for conserving rainwater is rapidly progressing across the state.
This year marks the 5th phase of the campaign, which runs annually from March-April to November since 2019 after Yogi Adityanath government came to power in 2017.
The campaign focuses on water conservation activities, including rejuvenation and reuse of traditional water bodies, borewell recharge, watershed development, intensive afforestation, and revival of small rivers/rivulets.
Additionally, public awareness programs on the theme of ‘Nari Shakti to Jal Shakti’ and other water conservation related works are being organised per the hydro geological situation of the respective districts.
All government and semi-government buildings are mandated to install Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems.
Furthermore, instructions have been given to clear silt in the water bodies including Amrit Sarovars (lakes) of the state.
As of June 18, Pilibhit, Ayodhya, Ambedkarnagar, Barabanki, and Gonda topped the tally in terms of mandatory installation of Rainwater Harvesting System with 100 percent completion.
At a recent review of the ‘Catch the Rain Campaign 2024’, UP chief secretary Durga Shankar Mishra emphasised that it was a top priority of both the central and state governments.
He instructed officials to complete the desilting and restoration of water bodies, including ponds, artificial recharge structures, small rivers and check dams before the onset of monsoon season for maximum rainwater harvesting.