PM launches 'Catch the Rain' campaign, says MGNREGA funds be spent for rainwater conservation

The PM said India's self-sufficiency is dependent on its water resources and water connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during launch of 'Catch the Rain' campaign, via video conferencing, in New Delhi. Credit: PTI.

MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) funds will be spent on rain water conservation till the monsoon arrives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

The PM, who launched 'Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain' campaign for conserving water, said it is a matter of concern that the majority of rain water in India gets wasted. He said the more the rain water is conserved, the less will be the dependence on groundwater.

Read | World's water woes spring from undervaluing its 'blue gold'

The prime minister urged that every penny of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) funds be spent on rain water conservation till the monsoon arrives.

The PM, who launched the campaign on World Water Day, also urged the public to use water judiciously. The event was also attended by a number of panches and sarpanches from across the country.

The 'Catch the Rain' campaign aims to take water conservation at grass-root level through people's participation. The campaign will be undertaken across the country, in both rural and urban areas. It will be implemented from March 22 to November 30 - the pre-monsoon and monsoon period in the country.