Odisha Strengthens Water Conservation Under Catch the Rain 2026 Campaign

Bhubaneswar: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal during the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on June 28, 2026, to conserve every drop of rainwater, Odisha has significantly expanded its efforts under the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign. The initiative focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, and active public participation to ensure sustainable water management across the state.

Massive Awareness Campaign Across Odisha

The campaign has adopted a comprehensive approach by combining public awareness, community participation, behavioural change, institutional involvement, and the creation of water conservation infrastructure.

A total of 968 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities were organised across Odisha. These included street plays, folk performances, community meetings, and awareness programmes promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater conservation.

Among the districts, Khordha recorded the highest number of IEC activities with 230 programmes, followed by Angul (124). Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, and Subarnapur organised 62 activities each, while Mayurbhanj (60), Nayagarh and Puri (50 each), and Ganjam (20) also contributed significantly to the campaign's outreach.

Educational Institutions Join the Mission

Schools and colleges have emerged as key partners in spreading awareness about water conservation. Awareness sessions, technical interactions, and induction programmes introduced students to groundwater science, hydrological processes, and rainwater harvesting techniques.

These initiatives aim to create a new generation of informed citizens who can actively promote water conservation within their communities.

Over 900 Water Conservation Structures Created

The campaign has successfully translated awareness into action by completing 905 rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge structures across Odisha.

These include:

·         849 Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) structures, comprising 21 in government buildings and 828 in private buildings.

·         56 groundwater recharge shafts to improve groundwater replenishment.

District-wise achievements include:

·         Ganjam – 330 RRWH structures

·         Khordha – 121

·         Mayurbhanj – 94

·         Cuttack – 62

·         Sambalpur – 54

·         Sundargarh – 53

·         Kendrapara – 48

·         Jharsuguda – 25

·         Bargarh – 16

·         Puri – 13

·         Nayagarh – 12

·         Angul – 10

·         Nabarangpur – 7

·         Balangir – 4

Additionally, 45 recharge shafts were constructed in Jajpur, 10 in Kendrapara, and one in Sundargarh, strengthening groundwater recharge across the state.

Officials noted that these structures represent a shift from awareness to action, with households becoming active participants in local water management while recharge shafts help channel rainwater into underground aquifers.

Revival of Traditional Water Bodies

Odisha has also prioritised the restoration of traditional water resources under the State Plan's Improvement to Tanks and Minor Irrigation Projects Scheme.

A total of 98 tanks across all 30 districts are being renovated and desilted to increase water storage capacity, improve irrigation, enhance groundwater recharge, and strengthen rural water security.

The restoration programme is expected to improve water availability while enhancing climate resilience in rural areas.

Plantation Drives Support Water Security

Plantation activities have been undertaken around irrigation projects, groundwater offices, and water infrastructure sites. These efforts improve soil stability, reduce erosion, increase water infiltration, and strengthen catchment ecosystems, contributing to the long-term sustainability of water resources.

Building a People's Movement

The Catch the Rain 2026 campaign has evolved into a people's movement by encouraging citizens to participate actively in conserving, harvesting, and recharging rainwater.

By integrating public awareness, educational outreach, restoration of traditional water bodies, and the development of groundwater recharge infrastructure, Odisha is creating a comprehensive framework for sustainable water management. The initiative reflects the broader goal of transforming seasonal rainfall into a dependable resource for long-term water security and sustainable development.