SSC Selection Post 2025 PYQ — Question 10

Correct Answer

To store excess rainwater for future use

Explanation

The primary role of rainwater harvesting in the Jal Shakti Abhiyan is to collect, channel, and store excess rainwater for direct future utilization and to artificially recharge drying underground aquifers. Launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, this mission treats rainwater harvesting as a foundational structural pillar to transform India into a water-secure nation.

Rainwater harvesting acts as an effective countermeasure against the escalating water crisis in both rural and water-stressed urban blocks. Instead of allowing monsoon runoff to flow away unused or cause localized flooding, the scheme implements artificial structures like rooftop collection units, check dams, percolation tanks, and continuous contour trenches. By capturing precipitation directly where it falls, communities build an decentralized surface reserve for lean summer months, significantly easing the pressure on municipal supplies and preventing agricultural dependency on volatile weather patterns.

The other options contradict the sustainable growth targets of the mission. The campaign actively fights against groundwater depletion rather than increasing it, views unmanaged urbanization as a challenge to watershed systems, and works to stabilize agricultural activities through reliable irrigation.

Key Points

Rainwater harvesting structure development focuses heavily on low-cost, community-driven traditional technologies, reviving ancient structures like Stepwells (Baolis), Jhalaras, and Johads.

Beyond surface storage, captured rainwater is routed through specialized filtration pits to systematically recharge deep tube wells and open wells, successfully raising regional water tables.

The Jal Shakti Abhiyan operates as a Jan Andolan (people's movement), integrating mandatory rainwater harvesting structures into building bye-laws for new urban constructions and public offices.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which central government ministry is the primary executing and monitoring agency for the nationwide Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign?

Answer: The Ministry of Jal Shakti handles the operational execution of the campaign.

Question: What is the core guiding slogan or motto of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan that emphasizes immediate rainwater retention?

Answer: The official slogan is 'Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls'.