KULGAM, April 30, 2025 — Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan (IAS), chaired a review meeting today at the Mini-Secretariat in Kulgam to assess the implementation status of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Catch the Rain 2025 initiatives in the district. The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing efforts to promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable water management in response to the region’s water resource challenges.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, aims to ensure water security through community-led efforts, including the creation of rainwater harvesting structures, groundwater recharge, and the restoration of traditional water bodies. The Catch the Rain 2025 campaign, a core component of the Abhiyan, promotes the tagline “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls,” encouraging sustainable practices like rooftop rainwater harvesting and watershed management to address water scarcity. DC Khan emphasized the critical need for these initiatives in Kulgam, a district dependent on both surface and groundwater for agriculture, horticulture, and domestic use.
During the meeting, DC Khan reviewed the progress of key activities under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, including the construction of check dams, percolation tanks, and water harvesting structures, as well as afforestation efforts to support watershed management. He stressed the importance of effective rainwater harvesting and directed officials from the Jal Shakti Department to expedite the completion of ongoing projects under Catch the Rain 2025. “Our focus is on sustainable practices to ensure every drop of rainwater is conserved for future use. This is vital for Kulgam’s long-term water security,” Khan stated.
The meeting included detailed discussions on the verification and geo-tagging of water conservation assets, with instructions to upload data to the Jal Shakti Abhiyan portal for transparency. Khan also reviewed the status of funds utilization and addressed bottlenecks hindering project implementation. He urged officials to enhance community engagement by organizing awareness campaigns in schools, villages, and urban areas to promote water conservation practices and the benefits of rainwater harvesting.
Officials from multiple departments, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADDC), Assistant Commissioner (Panchayat), Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, District Nodal Officer for Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Rural Development Department, and Agriculture Department, attended the meeting. The Executive Engineer provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing and completed projects, highlighting the district’s efforts to meet the targets set for 2025.
DC Khan’s proactive approach aligns with his broader vision for Kulgam’s holistic development, as seen in his recent reviews of initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, wetland conservation, and revenue services. On January 7, 2025, he evaluated the progress of Jal Jeevan Mission projects, emphasizing coordinated efforts to ensure household water connectivity. His focus on sustainable water management complements Kulgam’s strengths in agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries, which rely heavily on efficient water resources.
The Jal Shakti Abhiyan and Catch the Rain 2025 are particularly crucial for Kulgam, given its vulnerability to seasonal water shortages and the impacts of climate change. By prioritizing these initiatives, DC Athar Aamir Khan aims to strengthen the district’s resilience and ensure equitable access to water resources. The meeting concluded with a call for inter-departmental collaboration and active public participation to make Kulgam a model district for water conservation and sustainable development.
