Catch the Rain in Odisha has moved from public awareness to completed water conservation work across the state. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in the 135th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 28 June 2026 to conserve every drop of rainwater, Odisha intensified efforts under the Catch the Rain 2026 campaign. The drive promotes rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies, and citizen participation.
Wide Public Awareness Drive under Catch the Rain in Odisha
Odisha used a multi-pronged approach that includes community outreach, behavioural change, institutional participation, and creation of water conservation assets. An extensive public awareness drive took place through 968 Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. These included street plays, folk performances, community engagement programmes, and awareness campaigns on rainwater harvesting and groundwater conservation.
The activities covered multiple districts. Khordha recorded 230 IEC activities. Angul recorded 124. Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Nabarangpur, and Subarnapur each recorded 62. Mayurbhanj recorded 60. Nayagarh and Puri each recorded 50. Ganjam recorded 20. These numbers show the campaign’s reach and public participation across Odisha.
Educational Institutions Join Catch the Rain in Odisha
Educational institutions have become important partners. Awareness programmes, induction sessions, and technical interactions introduced students to groundwater science, hydrological processes, and rainwater harvesting systems. These steps aim to create informed citizens who can support water conservation in their communities and help long-term behavioural change.
905 Rainwater Harvesting and Recharge Structures Completed
Alongside awareness work, 905 rainwater-harvesting and groundwater-recharge structures have been completed across the state. These include 849 Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRWH) structures. Of these, 21 are in government buildings and 828 are in private buildings. In addition, 56 recharge shafts were built to support groundwater replenishment.
A household that installs a rainwater-harvesting system takes part in local water management. A recharge shaft links rainfall on the surface with water stored below the ground. Together these works can support irrigation and local water availability in areas that face pressure on groundwater resources.
District-wise Progress in Catch the Rain in Odisha
District-wise achievements for RRWH structures are as follows: Ganjam 330, Khordha 121, Mayurbhanj 94, Cuttack 62, Sambalpur 54, Sundargarh 53, Kendrapara 48, Jharsuguda 25, Bargarh 16, Puri 13, Nayagarh 12, Angul 10, Nabarangpur 7, and Balangir 4. For recharge shafts, 45 were constructed in Jajpur, 10 in Kendrapara, and 1 in Sundargarh. These figures show the move from awareness to actual adoption under Catch the Rain in Odisha.
Restoration of Traditional Tanks
Odisha has also prioritised restoration of traditional water bodies. Under the State Plan’s Improvement to Tanks and Minor Irrigation Projects Scheme, 98 tanks across all 30 districts have been taken up for renovation and desilting. The restoration work increases storage capacity. It allows greater retention of monsoon runoff. It supports irrigation. It improves local water availability. It also contributes to groundwater recharge. The work reinforces the role of traditional water assets in rural water security and climate resilience.
Plantation Work Supports Water Security
Plantation drives have been carried out across irrigation projects, groundwater offices, and water infrastructure sites. These drives improve soil stability, reduce erosion, enhance infiltration, and support healthier catchment ecosystems. The measures help the long-term sustainability of water resources and strengthen resilience to climate variability.
Mahanadi Water Dispute Breakthrough Solution by Diwali in 3 Months
What the Campaign Means for Residents
Catch the Rain in Odisha shows how community participation can speed up water conservation results. The state combines awareness generation, behavioural change, institutional engagement, restoration of traditional water bodies, and creation of groundwater recharge infrastructure. This builds a framework for sustainable water management. As the campaign continues, Odisha reinforces the principle that water security works best when citizens take an active part in conserving, harvesting, and recharging the rain that falls in their communities.
The initiative supports the broader objective of Catch the Rain. It turns seasonal rainfall into a long-term resource for sustainable development and water security. Residents can expect continued work on structures, tank restoration, and awareness activities in the coming months. Households and institutions that install rainwater systems or support local tanks help strengthen local water supplies.
