Tapping every drop: Sirmaur accelerates water revolution under ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign
Under the nationwide Catch the Rain 2024 campaign, the Rural Development Department in Sirmaur district has set an ambitious target to implement 3,672 drinking water and irrigation schemes. Of these, 2,157 projects have already been completed, while the remaining 1,515 are currently at various stages of implementation.
Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta shared these updates while presiding over a review meeting at the DC office to assess the progress of the campaign.
He said a total of Rs 27 crore has been spent so far under the initiative. These funds have been utilised for constructing check dams, ponds, water tanks, rooftop rainwater harvesting structures, recharging wells and stepwells, building soak pits, and rejuvenating traditional water sources. In addition, awareness camps on water conservation, plantation drives, and initiatives promoting agriculture and horticulture have also been carried out.
Emphasising sustainable water management, the DC directed that all new buildings must mandatorily include rooftop rainwater harvesting systems. He also instructed the Municipal Council to ensure proper maintenance, cleanliness, and chlorination of all water sources.
In alignment with the campaign’s motto “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti”, he called for organising awareness programmes that highlight the importance of water conservation among women and community members.
Further, he directed the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments to make water conservation a key agenda item in upcoming Gram Sabha meetings, encouraging active participation from both public representatives and citizens in protecting water resources.
Highlighting youth involvement, he noted that 266 government schools in the district have active eco-clubs, which are being encouraged to conduct water conservation activities and tree plantation drives to foster a cleaner, greener environment.
The DC also shared that the Soil Conservation Department has constructed 32 water storage tanks across the district, with beneficiaries receiving a 50 per cent subsidy.
Promoting sustainable agriculture, he urged the Agriculture Department to encourage farmers to adopt natural farming practices and grow coarse grains.
Lastly, he instructed officials from the Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Horticulture, and Agriculture departments to ensure the geo-tagging of all schemes under the Catch the Rain campaign for better transparency and effective monitoring.
The campaign continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening water resources across the district, promoting a holistic, community-driven approach to conservation.
Himachal Tribune