Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has expanded its Catch the Rain 2026 campaign to improve water conservation and recharge groundwater across the state. Authorities launched the drive after Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked citizens to conserve rainwater during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on 28 June 2026. Through this initiative, the state combines public awareness programs with the construction of physical water-harvesting structures. 
Khordha district led the outreach with 230 activities, while Angul recorded 124. Several districts—including Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, and Subarnapur—hosted 62 events each. Mayurbhanj completed 60, Nayagarh and Puri organized 50 each, and Ganjam held 20.
Educational institutions also joined the campaign. Schools and colleges conducted training sessions to explain hydrology, groundwater science, and rooftop rainwater systems to students. The education programs prepare students to share practical water conservation methods with their families and neighbors.
The new infrastructure includes 849 Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) systems and 56 groundwater recharge shafts. Citizens installed 828 RRWH units on private buildings, while government departments installed 21 on public buildings.
These installations help property owners manage local water resources directly. Rooftop systems store rain for immediate daily use, while recharge shafts channel excess surface water deep into the ground to support nearby wells and farmland.
In addition, government departments planted trees around irrigation sites, groundwater offices, and reservoirs. The roots hold the soil in place, prevent erosion, and allow more rainwater to sink into the ground.
Public Awareness and Student Training
State officials organized 968 public awareness activities across multiple districts to teach communities about rainwater harvesting and groundwater management. Teams used street plays, folk performances, and local meetings to reach residents.Khordha district led the outreach with 230 activities, while Angul recorded 124. Several districts—including Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, and Subarnapur—hosted 62 events each. Mayurbhanj completed 60, Nayagarh and Puri organized 50 each, and Ganjam held 20.
Educational institutions also joined the campaign. Schools and colleges conducted training sessions to explain hydrology, groundwater science, and rooftop rainwater systems to students. The education programs prepare students to share practical water conservation methods with their families and neighbors.
New Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Structures
Alongside community programs, workers and property owners built 905 water conservation structures across the state. These installations capture surface runoff and direct rainwater into underground aquifers.The new infrastructure includes 849 Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) systems and 56 groundwater recharge shafts. Citizens installed 828 RRWH units on private buildings, while government departments installed 21 on public buildings.
These installations help property owners manage local water resources directly. Rooftop systems store rain for immediate daily use, while recharge shafts channel excess surface water deep into the ground to support nearby wells and farmland.
Renovation of Traditional Tanks and Plantation Drives
The state is also repairing traditional water bodies to store monsoon runoff. Under the Improvement to Tanks and Minor Irrigation Projects Scheme, workers are desilting and renovating 98 tanks across all 30 districts. This restoration increases water storage capacity and supports local irrigation.In addition, government departments planted trees around irrigation sites, groundwater offices, and reservoirs. The roots hold the soil in place, prevent erosion, and allow more rainwater to sink into the ground.
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