RESPONDING to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call during the 135th edition of Mann Ki Baat to sustain the momentum of #CatchTheRain movement, Balod district of Chhattisgarh has emerged as a remarkable example of community-driven water conservation under Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 2.0. With active participation of Gram Panchayats, local communities and the district administration, Balod has implemented a wide range of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge interventions that are already demonstrating tangible results during the ongoing monsoon. The district has created 2,84,917 water conservation and recharge structures between June 2025 and May 2026, significantly enhancing its capacity to capture and conserve rainwater. Several innovative interventions across Balod district have transformed dry landscapes into productive water assets. Recharge pits near borewells in Gram Panchayat Mundera are effectively channeling rainwater for groundwater recharge. Recharge pits constructed in Gram Panchayat Kongni are capturing runoff and enhancing aquifer recharge.

 

Check dams in Odarsakari and Khuteri Gram Panchayats are now storing substantial quantities of monsoon water, improving irrigation availability and groundwater recharge. Recharge shafts in defunct borewells at Mundera have revived unused infrastructure into functional recharge systems. Contour trenches developed in Bhangagaon (R) are reducing runoff, conserving soil moisture and supporting plantation and watershed development. Community check dams across the district are creating durable water storage that benefits agriculture and nearby villages. The striking before-and-after images from these sites illustrate the effectiveness of decentralized water conservation, with structures that remained dry before the monsoon now storing significant quantities of rainwater. Among Balod’s most notable achievements is the rejuvenation of Tawera Nala in Bhathagaon (R), Gundardehi block. Through collective efforts under #CatchTheRain campaign and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, the district revived a 14.3 km nala by constructing over 6,250 water conservation structures, including check dams, trenches, magic pits, soak pits, injection wells, rainwater harvesting systems and greywater treatment facilities.

 

These interventions are expected to enable conservation of 6.5 crore litres of additional rainwater while improving groundwater levels by an estimated 5–10 feet. The initiative has also strengthened irrigation, improved cropping prospects and restored ecological health through active community participation. Balod has consistently demonstrated leadership in water conservation. Under JSJB 1.0, the district created over 1.06 lakh water conservation structures, securing third position nationally and first position in the Eastern Zone under #CatchTheRain campaign, for which it was honoured by the President of India. The achievements of Balod reflect the core philosophy of ‘Jan Bhagidari se Jal Sanrakshan’, demonstrating how collective community action can strengthen water security and climate resilience. As the country observes the ongoing monsoon season, such initiatives reaffirm the vision of transforming water conservation into a nationwide Jan Andolan, in line with the Prime Minister’s appeal to save every drop and sustain the momentum of #CatchTheRain movement.