India, May 2 -- With a strong pitch to turn water conservation into a public movement, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday launched the 'Catch the Rain 2026' campaign, unveiling a water mascot 'Neera' and announcing incentives and mandates to boost rainwater harvesting across the Capital. Addressing a Delhi Jal Board event, the Chief Minister stressed that the campaign must go beyond symbolism. "Catch the Rain must become a commitment, not just a slogan," she said, adding, "Water is not just a resource, it is the foundation of life, the backbone of the economy, and a safeguard for future generations." Also Read - No PUC, no fuel: 15K+ vehicles turned away The campaign aligns with the national call of "Catch the Rain, where it falls, when it falls," articulated by Narendra Modi. Gupta highlighted the urgency of tackling water scarcity amid rising population and depleting groundwater levels, calling for immediate and collective action. As part of the initiative, rainwater harvesting systems will be made mandatory for buildings measuring 100 square metres or more. To encourage adoption, the government will offer a rebate of up to 10 percent on water bills, along with financial assistance of up to Rs 50,000 and technical support through the Delhi Jal Board. Also Read - Shanti Van-Rajghat set for makeover The Chief Minister also announced that all government offices will be required to install rainwater harvesting systems, with existing infrastructure to be repaired and brought under digital monitoring. She emphasised that maintenance is as important as installation to ensure effective groundwater recharge. Highlighting everyday solutions, Gupta urged citizens to adopt simple practices such as channeling rooftop rainwater, fixing leaks, and using water responsibly. "Improving groundwater levels and securing water for future generations is a shared responsibility," she said. 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.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.