CM Vijay launched “Thuli”, a statewide campaign to make rainwater harvesting a people’s movement: he opened a model rainwater harvesting house in Chepauk, released the campaign logo and film, and a government order sets up state and district committees.
CM Vijay launched “Thuli”, a statewide campaign to make rainwater harvesting a people’s movement: he opened a model rainwater harvesting house in Chepauk, released the campaign logo and film, and a government order sets up state and district committees.
As the northeast monsoon gathers strength, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched “Thuli” (துளி, “drop”) on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — a statewide campaign to turn rainwater harvesting into a people’s movement and lift groundwater levels across Tamil Nadu.
| Part | What it means |
|---|---|
| Government order | Issued by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department; in force immediately |
| State committee | Led by the Chief Secretary, reviews progress |
| District committees | Led by Collectors, coordinate work in each district |
| Inspections | Government offices, schools, hospitals, local body buildings, apartments and commercial buildings |
| Awards | Being considered for the best districts, local bodies, schools, colleges and residents’ associations |
The campaign will restore existing structures, build new ones and improve groundwater recharge. Reports said rainwater harvesting is to be made mandatory in all government offices, schools and colleges, and that families who include it in new house plans will get a special subsidy; details are awaited.
Tamil Nadu’s 89 reservoirs held only about 28% of capacity on October 22. Every drop captured on a rooftop now recharges wells for the summer. When rainwater harvesting was enforced in the early 2000s, groundwater levels around Chennai rose markedly — “Thuli” aims to bring that habit back, house by house.
Rainwater Harvesting Water Conservation Groundwater Thuli Day 165