Pune: The Catch the Rain campaign received a major boost as the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), in collaboration with FluxGen Sustainable Technologies Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated a campus-wide water conservation initiative on 3 August 2026.
The programme marks a significant step toward strengthening water security through scientific, technology-driven and sustainable water management practices.
Aligned with the Government of India’s nationwide Catch the Rain campaign, the initiative launches a comprehensive water conservation programme across the CSIR-NCL campus.
The programme focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water-use efficiency and water recycling.
The inaugural event, held at the CSIR-NCL Auditorium, was attended by scientists, staff members, students, industry representatives and invited guests.
The event was graced by Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, Municipal Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), as the Chief Guest, while Padma Shri Popatrao Baguji Pawar, Eminent Social Activist and Former Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar, Ahilya Nagar, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate variability and emphasised that sustainable water management has become central to the institute’s long-term vision.
He stated that the Catch the Rain campaign complements several ongoing sustainability initiatives at CSIR-NCL, including renewable energy adoption, wastewater surveillance and environmentally responsible research programmes.
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Ganesh Shankar, Founder and CEO of FluxGen, delivered an address titled “Finding My Purpose: Building a Water-Positive Future,” highlighting the importance of innovation and collective action in addressing water challenges.
This was followed by a presentation from Chethana Basavanna, Water Domain Expert and Project Head at FluxGen, titled “Integrated Water Sustainability Strategy for CSIR-NCL Campus.”
She outlined a roadmap for strengthening water security through scientific planning, monitoring and sustainable infrastructure as part of the Catch the Rain initiative.
In his address, Padma Shri Popatrao Pawar shared the remarkable transformation of Hiware Bazar from a drought-prone village into a nationally recognised model of water conservation and rural development.
He highlighted the importance of community participation and water budgeting, observing that sustainable water management must become a continuous societal practice rather than an occasional campaign.
Delivering the keynote address, Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, emphasised the importance of rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge and efficient water management in rapidly urbanising cities.
He appreciated CSIR-NCL‘s proactive efforts toward developing a sustainable campus and underlined the role of scientific institutions in supporting national water conservation initiatives through programmes such as Catch the Rain.
As part of the programme, the results of a painting competition organised for students of NCL School to promote awareness about water conservation were announced, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests.
Through the Catch the Rain campaign, CSIR-NCL aims to establish a model campus for sustainable water management by implementing rainwater harvesting systems, groundwater recharge measures, water auditing, wastewater recycling, digital monitoring of water resources and awareness programmes promoting responsible water use across the institute.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, reaffirming CSIR-NCL’s commitment to advancing sustainable water management through science, innovation and collaborative action.
