Rajouri sets new benchmark for ‘Catch the Rain’ Campaign, records 3,800 groundwater recharge harvesting structures

• DDC emphasizes quality, maintenance, water recharge

RAJOURI: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Abhishek Sharma today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan – 'Catch the Rain' campaign, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting.

At the outset, District Statistics & Evaluation Officer Sandeep Kumar Sharma briefed the chair that the district has made significant progress under the campaign. He reported that 3,800 groundwater recharge and water conservation/harvesting structures have been successfully uploaded on the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) portal. This notable achievement has qualified the district for a national-level award.

Commending the efforts of all departments involved, the DDC emphasized the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of the assets created under the campaign. He directed the Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Forest and Agriculture Departments to ensure proper maintenance of these structures.

He also instructed the departments to thoroughly verify the data uploaded on the JSJB portal and make necessary corrections where required. The DDC stressed the importance of uploading only geo-tagged photographs to ensure accuracy and transparency in monitoring.

In addition, the DDC directed all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to prioritize the desilting of Khuls under the MGNREGA scheme to improve water flow and enhance groundwater recharge in the district.

The meeting was attended by the CPO Rajouri, Maqsood Ahmed, SE Hydraulic Circle Rajouri, ACD, Auqil Naveed, Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Executive Engineers of the Jal Shakti Department.