Delhi Government Signs MoU for Rainwater Harvesting in 75 CM Shri Schools

Key Facts

• The MoU was signed on 10 July 2026 at the Delhi Secretariat.
• Three parties involved: Directorate of Education, Indraprastha Gas Limited, and Ehsaas NGO.
• The project targets rainwater harvesting implementation in 75 CM Shri Schools.
• Each school is expected to contribute approximately 2 lakh litres of groundwater recharge annually.
• Total estimated groundwater recharge capacity across all schools is nearly 50 crore litres annually.
• The initiative is part of the National Catch the Rain campaign.
• The Ehsaas rainwater harvesting model, approved by the Delhi Jal Board in 2021, is being utilized.

Background & Context

Rainwater harvesting is a water conservation technique involving the collection, filtration, and storage of rainwater for subsequent use or groundwater recharge. A detailed audit conducted in May 2026 indicated that many existing rainwater harvesting systems in Delhi schools were non-functional due to poor maintenance. To address this, a tripartite MoU involves the Directorate of Education providing administrative support and maintenance, Indraprastha Gas Limited funding the project via Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and Ehsaas NGO implementing the rainwater harvesting systems and awareness programs. The project includes conducting technical audits, restoring existing systems, installing new rooftop rainwater harvesting units, and running awareness programmes for students and teachers.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This initiative demonstrates the collaboration between government departments, private sector CSR initiatives, and NGOs in advancing sustainable water conservation solutions. Exam candidates should note the significance of the National Catch the Rain campaign in water management policy, the role of CSR under the Companies Act 2013 in project funding, and the technical importance of groundwater recharge methods. Additionally, the project reflects current governmental efforts towards urban water sustainability and educational sector participation, which may be relevant for environment, governance, and public policy sections.

Points to Remember

• The MoU was signed on 10 July 2026 at the Delhi Secretariat targeting 75 CM Shri Schools initially.
• Estimated annual groundwater recharge is approximately 2 lakh litres per school and about 50 crore litres in total.
• Partner entities: Directorate of Education (administrative support and maintenance), Indraprastha Gas Limited (CSR funding), and Ehsaas NGO (implementation and awareness).
• The Ehsaas model follows principles of low cost and minimal maintenance, with filtration to ensure quality groundwater recharge; it was approved by the Delhi Jal Board in 2021.
• The initiative is part of the national Catch the Rain campaign aimed at water conservation.
• Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced plans to expand this model to nearly 800 government schools and to convert 1,000 government schools into zero-waste campuses in the future.