Pune: CSIR-NCL Launches Campus-wide “Catch the Rain” Campaign
Pashan, 5th August 2026: The CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), in collaboration with FluxGen Sustainable Technologies Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated the “Catch the Rain” Campaign on 3 August 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening water security through scientific, technology-driven and sustainable water management practices.
The initiative marks the launch of a comprehensive campus-wide water conservation programme focused on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, water-use efficiency and water recycling, aligned with the Government of India’s nationwide Catch the Rain campaign. The inaugural programme, 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 and Padma Popatrao Baguji Pawar, Eminent Social Activist and Former Sarpanch of Hiware Bazar, Ahilya Nagar, 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.
Ganesh Shankar, Founder and CEO, FluxGen, delivered an inspiring 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 Chethana Basavanna, Water Domain Expert and Project Head, FluxGen, who presented “Integrated Water Sustainability Strategy for CSIR-NCL Campus,” outlining a roadmap for strengthening water security through scientific planning, monitoring and sustainable infrastructure.
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.
Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, in his keynote address, highlighted 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 emphasised the role of scientific institutions in supporting national water conservation initiatives.
As part of the programme, the results of a painting competition organised for students from NCL School to promote awareness on water conservation were announced, followed by the felicitation of the distinguished guests.
Through the Catch the Rain campaign, CSIR-NCL aims to create a model campus for sustainable water management through the implementation of 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 event concluded with a vote of thanks, emphasising CSIR-NCL’s commitment to advancing sustainable water management through science, innovation and collaborative action.
