Jal Shakti Abhiyan

✦Key Features

• JSA: Catch the Rain (annual since 2021): all districts; Catch rain where it falls, when it falls
• 1 crore+ water conservation structures created: ponds, step wells, check dams, percolation wells
• 256 water-stressed districts targeted with intensive water conservation drives
• Integration with MGNREGA for labour-intensive water conservation work
• Jal Shakti Kendras in water-stressed districts as coordination nodes
• Complemented by Jal Jeevan Mission: 15.29 crore rural homes with tap connections (Nov 2025)

✓Eligibility Criteria

• All citizens are encouraged to participate in water conservation efforts.
• Local communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions for implementing local projects.
• Farmers for adopting water-efficient agricultural practices.
• Urban Local Bodies for promoting urban water harvesting.

★Benefits

• Improved groundwater levels and surface water availability.
• Enhanced water security and resilience to climate change.
• Increased agricultural productivity through better water management.
• Empowerment of local communities in water governance.
• Revitalization of ecosystems and biodiversity.

▶Application Process

• Community members can participate through local water user associations and Gram Sabhas.
• Government departments implement projects through tenders and local contracts.
• Awareness campaigns and public outreach programs encourage citizen involvement.
• District administrations coordinate efforts at the local level.

₹ Budget Allocation

100

Funding Ratio (Centre:State): Convergence based (Funds utilized from MGNREGA, Finance Commission grants, and State schemes)

Historical Context

Launched in 2019 in 256 water-stressed districts. Expanded in 2021 as 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain' to cover all districts of India.