A programme named "Jal Dharo-Jal Bharo" was launched during 2011-12 with the aim on preserving precious water resources by large scale harvesting of rain water as well as arresting runoff of surface water to improve and availability of precious water resources through the construction and management of Minor Irrigation structures. Water Resources Investigation & Development Department of Government of West Bengal has taken a lead role under the programme to re-excavate all kinds of water bodies viz, tanks, ponds, reservoirs, canals where water holding capacities have lower down at present in convergence with P&RD Department, Govt of West Bengal and other different programmesand alsoemphasised on underground artificial recharge through rooftop rainwater harvesting. Check Dams, Water harvesting Tanks and Surface Flow Minor Irrigation Schemes which are being constructed by WRI&DD would help in arresting surface runoff water and at the same time irrigation potential of the state are being increased by utilisation of the same. Increased holding capacities in the water bodies will immensely support protective irrigation during the dry spell. Apart from agriculture, pisciculture activities would develop in such water bodies which in turn open a further avenue of income to the poor farmers. Availability of water throughout the year will also help the local villagers in their domestic activities and animal husbandry activities. JAL DHARO-JAL BHARO PROGRAMME' also aims towards building citizen's awareness for rain water conservation and efficient water-use in irrigation.

As of December 2014, 1,18,557 nos water bodies/ retention structures have been created out of which 32,851 pond equivalent has been created by WRI&DD, 85,423 nos have been created in convergence with P&RD Deptt. and 283 nos tanks have been created by WRI&DD under MGNREGA.