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Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Government Policies & Interventions, Water Conservation, Groundwater ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Government Policies & Interventions, Water Conservation, Groundwater ///

News · GS Paper 2

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: People-Powered Water Conservation

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB), launched in September 2024, is a community-driven water conservation initiative built on the 3Cs framework of Community, CSR and Cost. With over 1.58 crore artificial groundwater recharge structures built by September 2026 and integration with the Catch the Rain campaign in 2026, it marks a shift from state-led to community-owned water governance — a key topic for GS Paper 2 and 3.

2026-09-09

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Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB): Key Facts

Launch: 6th September 2024, to promote community participation and ownership in water conservation.
Objectives:
Create low-cost groundwater recharge and water storage structures
Revive defunct borewells
Promote scientifically designed, locally suitable water conservation solutions
Guiding Framework: Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach, based on the 3Cs framework — Community, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Cost.

Achievements

JSJB 1.0: More than 27 lakh water conservation structures constructed across India by May 2025.
JSJB 2.0: Launched in June 2025; over 1.5 crore groundwater recharge structures built by May 2026.
As of 3rd September 2026: more than 1.58 crore artificial groundwater recharge structures constructed.
Integration: In June 2026, JSJB was integrated with Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) and renamed Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Catch the Rain (JSJB: CTR).

Jal Shakti Departmental Summit (1–2 September 2026)

Emphasised cooperative federalism and stronger Centre–State coordination for water governance.
Key focus areas: JSJB: Catch the Rain, water infrastructure, source sustainability of drinking water systems, and rural water supply under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
Stressed Jal Utsav, water awareness, capacity building, inter-State learning, educational engagement and improved water data governance.

Background & Context

India has a long tradition of community-led water management through traditional systems such as stepwells, tanks, ponds, johads and irrigation structures. JSJB builds on this heritage, connecting local knowledge with scientific planning.

Significance

Represents a transformation from government-led infrastructure creation to community-driven water stewardship.
Strengthens groundwater security and builds climate-resilient communities.
Sustainable water security depends on creating structures and fostering a culture of responsible water use.

Related Initiatives

Aawa Paani Jhoki movement: Farmer-led water conservation movement in Korea district, Chhattisgarh, where farmers voluntarily contributed land for recharge structures.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Focus on rural water supply and source sustainability.

UPSC Relevance

Prelims: Facts about JSJB launch date, 3Cs framework, structure numbers, integration with JSA: CTR.
Mains (GS2/GS3): Community participation in governance, cooperative federalism, groundwater depletion and conservation measures (PYQ 2025 Mains asked on factors for groundwater depletion and government steps).