Introduction

• Water scarcity is emerging as a major developmental challenge due to climate change, groundwater depletion and increasing demand.
• To address this, India has adopted a Jan Bhagidari-based approach through initiatives such as Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari.

Role of Community Participation

• Promotes rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
• Revives traditional water bodies through local ownership.
• Encourages participation of Panchayats, SHGs, schools and civil society.
• Improves maintenance and sustainability of water assets.
• Converges government schemes with local initiatives.

Government Initiatives

• Catch the Rain: "Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls."
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Community-led groundwater recharge.
• Jal Shakti Kendras: Technical guidance and awareness.
• Convergence with PMKSY, MGNREGS, CAMPA and Finance Commission Grants.

Challenges

• Uneven public participation.
• Poor maintenance of created structures.
• Weak urban rainwater harvesting compliance.
• Climate variability affecting recharge.

Conclusion

Water conservation can become sustainable only when government initiatives are complemented by people's participation, making every citizen a stakeholder in achieving water security.