Srinagar, October 13, 2025 : Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday directed the Forest Department to undertake mandatory geo-tagging of all water bodies across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure their effective protection, conservation, and scientific management.
He issued these directions while chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA:CTR) campaign being implemented across the Union Territory.
Emphasizing the urgency of the task, Dulloo called for seamless coordination among the Jal Shakti Department, Forest Department, and Rural Development Department (RDD) to achieve comprehensive identification and geo-referencing of all water bodies—both in forest and non-forest areas—within the next month.
“This exercise is crucial to formulating future strategies for water conservation and must be completed before the onset of snowfall in winter zone areas,” the Chief Secretary directed.
He further stressed that climate change mitigation and water resource security must remain top priorities, urging all departments to act with urgency and commitment under the Catch the Rain programme.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, highlighted that the Jal Shakti Abhiyan has transitioned from planning to community-driven implementation, focusing on water security and sustainability as its core goals.
Kabra informed that 100% District Water Conservation Plans (DWCPs) have been prepared and uploaded for all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir on the JSA Portal—providing a scientific framework for sustainable water resource management.
The meeting also reviewed the progress in districts including Doda, Ganderbal, Jammu, Bandipora, and Ramban, and discussed post-monsoon visit reports of Central Nodal Officers, which have been uploaded on the portal.
Officials reiterated that the campaign revolves around five key interventions:
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Water Conservation and Rainwater Harvesting
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Renovation of Traditional and Other Water Bodies
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Reuse of Water and Recharge Structures
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Watershed Development
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Intensive Afforestation
It was noted that the campaign ensures inter-sectoral convergence, with activities being carried out through existing resources such as MGNREGS, Finance Commission Grants, and local development funds, rather than separate allocations for JSA.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative, Dulloo said the “Catch the Rain” campaign forms a crucial pillar of the government’s broader strategy to combat water scarcity and promote climate resilience in Jammu and Kashmir.
“By integrating science-based planning, geo-tagging, and community participation, the campaign will help secure our water future for generations to come,” he said.
The meeting was attended by ACS Shaleen Kabra, PCCF, Commissioner Secretaries of Forests and Social Welfare, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Secretaries of School Education and RDD, and other senior officers. Deputy Commissioners from all districts joined via video conferencing.
