New Delhi: Sharing concern over drought in various parts of the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for water conservation through a mass movement as he pinned hopes on the Monsoon which is predicted to bring upto 110 per cent of rainfall this season.
In his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', he also talked about efforts to clean Ganga and Yamuna rivers, hoping that these will show results in some time.
Among other several issues, he delved on education, emphasising that the focus should now shift from enrolment to providing quality education.
During his 30-minute broadcast, Modi also expressed gratitude to one crore households which gave up LPG subsidy in response to his call and exhorted media to highlight positive news.
Talking about the drought situation in various parts of the country, he said concern over it is natural, particularly since prolonged drought leads to drop in water table in reservoirs.
“To fight the drought and water scarcity, the governments will do their work. But I have seen people also make their own efforts. In several villages, an awareness has been seen with regard to the value of water and in such places, there is sensitivity and a will to do something to conserve,” he said.
He referred to the weather forecast which has predicted that the country will receive 106 per cent to 110 per cent rainfall during this Monsoon and said such good news always brings peace.
“But this news brings new awareness also…While the news about good rainfall brings comfort, it also provides an opportunity and a challenge. Can we run a movement from village to village to preserve water?… To whatever extent possible, we must save water.
“The rain water should be preserved. The water of a village should remain in the village. If we make a resolve to do this, it is possible through a mass campaign. So even though we have a water crisis now, we have one and a half month to prepare (before the onset of Monsoon),” he said.
Important highlights:
*The PM begins his address by talking about the heat wave in several parts of the country and the related issue of water conservation.
* The PM refers to a village in Ahmednagar where people decided to change their cropping pattern and grow plants that don't need much water .
* The PM says when the water table rises, the quality of water also improves. "Clean drinking water means better health and
can actually lead to GDP."
*Modi says it is imperative to conserve and store rain water in villages. "We must start a campaign to promote this. We need to become a change agent for cleanliness."
* The PM says that news of good rainfall this monsoon is wonderful but it brings challenges as well. "We need to look into how to maximize crop productivity."
* The PM says the Ganga is an essential water resource.
* PM Modi talks about initiatives to clean the Ganga. "We will all have to be change agents for the cleaning of the Ganga. The government is making numerous efforts."
*The PM says that today, April 24, is celebrated as 'Panchayati raj' diwas in our country. "It has helped reach democratic values in villages."
