New Delhi, India — [01-05-2026]— With an emphasis on transforming water conservation into a sustained public movement, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the ‘Catch the Rain 2026’ campaign, positioning it as a strategic intervention to strengthen urban water resilience. The initiative introduces a dedicated water mascot, ‘Neera’ and outlines a combination of policy mandates and financial incentives aimed at accelerating the adoption of rainwater harvesting systems across the National Capital.
Speaking at a Delhi Jal Board event, the Chief Minister underscored the need to move beyond symbolic action. She stressed that water conservation must evolve into a long-term behavioural and institutional commitment, highlighting water’s critical role in sustaining ecosystems, economic growth, and future security.
The campaign aligns with the national vision of “Catch the Rain, where it falls, when it falls,” and responds to increasing concerns around groundwater depletion and rising urban demand. As part of the regulatory framework, installation of rainwater harvesting systems will be mandatory for buildings with an area of 100 square metres or more. To support implementation, the government has proposed a rebate of up to 10 percent on water bills, along with financial assistance of up to ₹50,000 and technical guidance facilitated by the Delhi Jal Board.
In addition, all government buildings will be required to install or upgrade rainwater harvesting infrastructure, with provisions for digital monitoring to ensure operational efficiency. The Chief Minister highlighted that long-term success will depend not only on installation but also on regular maintenance and performance tracking to enable effective groundwater recharge.
The campaign also places strong emphasis on citizen participation, encouraging practical measures such as rooftop rainwater collection, timely repair of leaks, and responsible water usage. Reinforcing the collective nature of the challenge, the Chief Minister noted that improving groundwater levels and ensuring water security for future generations requires coordinated action across stakeholders.
The initiative marks a significant step in addressing Delhi’s ongoing water management challenges, with a clear focus on sustainability, policy enforcement and community engagement.
The event was attended by Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, MP Bansuri Swaraj and MLA Anil Kumar Sharma, among others. The government said the campaign will be a key step in addressing Delhi’s ongoing challenges of water scarcity and sustainability.
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