The Delhi government has launched a major rainwater harvesting initiative aimed at strengthening water conservation efforts and improving groundwater recharge in the national capital. The project will initially cover 75 CM Shri Schools and may later be expanded to nearly 800 Delhi government schools along with schools managed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), depending on the success of the first phase.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the initiative as an important step towards building a greener and more sustainable city. She said that water conservation is not only an environmental responsibility but also a necessity for ensuring water security for future generations.
The project officially commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Delhi Secretariat on Friday, July 10. The agreement was signed under the Centre’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The MoU was signed between Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL), the Directorate of Education, and Ehsaas NGO. The project will be implemented through IGL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
Under the initiative, selected schools will undergo a detailed assessment of their existing rainwater harvesting infrastructure. Functional systems will be inspected, while old or damaged systems will be repaired and restored. Schools that currently lack rainwater harvesting facilities will receive newly installed rooftop harvesting systems to collect and conserve rainwater.
Apart from infrastructure development, the initiative of the Delhi government also focuses on creating environmental awareness among students and teachers. Special programmes will be conducted to educate students about the importance of water conservation, sustainable practices, and the protection of natural resources. The government believes that schools can play a crucial role in developing environmental responsibility among young citizens.
According to the Delhi government, each participating school is expected to contribute to groundwater recharge of nearly two lakh litres annually through these rainwater harvesting systems. Officials believe that increasing groundwater recharge across multiple school campuses can help address Delhi’s growing water challenges and encourage responsible water management.
Speaking at the launch event, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted the importance of combining education with environmental protection. She said schools are ideal platforms for introducing sustainable practices because children can learn about conservation not only through textbooks but also through practical implementation within their own campuses.
Gupta also linked the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision behind the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, stating that the project would help students understand the importance of saving water while actively participating in conservation efforts.
The Delhi government aims to gradually expand the programme across more educational institutions if the first phase produces positive results. By integrating rainwater harvesting into schools, the initiative seeks to create a long-term model for groundwater conservation and promote a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Delhi.
