Jal Dharo Jal Bharo – জল ধরো জল ভরো প্রকল্প

Jal Dharo Jal Bharo (জল ধরো জল ভরো — “Collect Water, Fill Water”) is a flagship water conservation scheme launched by the West Bengal government in 2011-12. Implemented by the Water Resources Investigation & Development Department (WRI&DD) in convergence with the Panchayat & Rural Development Department, the scheme aims to preserve precious water resources through large-scale rainwater harvesting, pond re-excavation, and construction of minor irrigation structures. The scheme also generates rural employment through labour-intensive construction work and promotes pisciculture and animal husbandry as additional income sources for farmers.

• Large-scale rainwater harvesting in tanks, ponds, reservoirs and canals to preserve water resources
• Re-excavation and de-silting of derelict and silted water bodies to restore their water holding capacity
• Underground artificial recharge through rooftop rainwater harvesting systems
• Construction of check dams, water harvesting tanks and surface flow minor irrigation schemes to arrest surface runoff
• Improved protective irrigation during dry spells — supports farmers through drought periods
• Promotion of pisciculture (fish farming) in harvested water bodies — additional income for poor farmers
• Support for animal husbandry and domestic water needs of rural villages year-round
• Creation of rural employment through labour-intensive pond digging and construction work
• Mass citizen awareness campaigns on rainwater conservation and efficient irrigation in all districts

• Farmers — improved irrigation availability during dry spells reduces crop loss
• Poor rural families — access to water year-round for domestic use and animal husbandry
• Fisherfolk and farmers — pisciculture in ponds opens additional income avenues
• Daily wage labourers — employment generated through pond digging and construction
• All villagers — improved groundwater levels and reduced water scarcity during summers