Now, all govt buildings in Chandigarh to harvest rainwater

All government buildings, including schools, colleges and anganwadis, will be equipped with Rainwater Harvesting Structures (RWHS) going forward.

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The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma to assess progress and formulate a comprehensive action plan on conserving water in alignment with the Government of India’s “Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025” campaign.

Several other directives were also issued to ensure timely implementation of water conservation initiatives. A week-long cleanliness drive from May 1 to 7, 2025, will focus on maintaining existing RWHS across government institutions. Desilting operations at Sukhna Lake and check dams within the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary are scheduled to be completed before the onset of the monsoon. The Amrit Sarovar-Dhanas project is targeted to be completed by November 2025.

Further, in compliance with the JSA Mission, a target of planting 500,000 saplings has been assigned to the Forest Department, Engineering Department, and Municipal Corporation.

The meeting also emphasised the involvement of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in pond cleaning and community participation. “Jaldoots” will be appointed in schools and colleges to promote water conservation, with the Education Department tasked with submitting an action report. Further, regular consultations will be held with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) to raise awareness and drive collective action.

Verma, underscored the importance of meeting all deadlines and urged departments to execute their tasks with efficiency.