Dailyhunt
CM Rekha Gupta launches 'Catch the Rain 2026', calls for urgent action to tackle Delhi's water crisis

CM Rekha Gupta launches 'Catch the Rain 2026', calls for urgent action to tackle Delhi's water crisis

News24 Online 4 days ago

New Delhi: With a strong call to safeguard the city's water future, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 'Catch the Rain 2026' campaign today, placing water conservation and groundwater recharge at the centre of the government's agenda.

The campaign was inaugurated at a Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in R.K. Puram, where a rainwater harvesting system was also unveiled.

By portraying the initiative as not only essential to the environment but also as a responsibility to society, the Chief Minister stressed that water is a God-given resource that should be protected urgently. "There is no formula for the creation of water; it comes from nature. Only those who battle to get even a drop know its real worth," she stated.

CM Rekha Gupta pointed out that this initiative is an example of how her government has been proactive in dealing with water shortages that have been prevalent in several areas of the capital. In order to promote the recycling of water, she said that she will construct sewage treatment plants throughout Delhi to allow the recycled water to be reused for purposes like irrigation.

The Chief Minister also hinted at a change in policy regarding the use of groundwater. Highlighting the importance of sustainability, she said that the approval for the extraction of groundwater could soon be conditional upon the compulsory installation of a rainwater harvesting system. "We can't continue to withdraw without replenishment. Usage needs to be matched with conservation," she added.

This announcement is being made against the backdrop of increasing worries over falling groundwater levels in the capital city. Through increased rainwater harvesting infrastructure, the government plans to increase its recharge capabilities ahead of the monsoon season.

Water Minister Parvesh Verma emphasized the urgency of the mission by stating that even though there is a demand for around 100,000 rainwater harvesting systems in the capital, only 15,000 have been installed so far. According to him, the Delhi Jal Board will make sure that rainwater harvesting systems are installed in all government buildings.

The Member of Parliament, Bansuri Swaraj, commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of participation in tackling the water problem. In particular, Swaraj observed that there have been positive outcomes from years of conservation efforts, and she has full faith that joint efforts will lead to resolving the country's water problems.

During the event, the school students put up some performances emphasizing the seriousness of water conservation and the consequences that a lack of action may result in for future generations.

Moreover, in a reiteration of her government's dedication, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asserted that "it is not the job of the government alone; each one must do his bit."

Dailyhunt
Disclaimer: This content has not been generated, created or edited by Dailyhunt. Publisher: news24online