While speaking at Sunday’s Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the increasing number of people taking part in the Catch The Rain program. According to him, the nationwide initiative has transformed into a grassroots movement that prioritises reviving traditional water bodies, recharging groundwater, and collecting rainwater. To guarantee sustainable water management nationwide, the program urges people to collect rainwater where it falls.
The Prime Minister made a point of mentioning that individuals from many parts of the country have been actively involved in water conservation efforts since the campaign started on July 4. All throughout the nation, people are restoring wells and stepwells, desilting old ponds, and turning abandoned borewells into recharge structures. Groundwater levels are being improved through these community-led initiatives, which are also helping to preserve traditional water resources.
By way of illustration, Prime Minister Modi mentioned that the Sidhi district in Madhya Pradesh has constructed approximately 1,500 ponds, and that Narsinghpur has restored its Amrit Sarovars. Andhra Pradesh’s Nandyal, where every gram panchayat participated in the effort to restore historic ponds, and Maharashtra’s Nashik, for increasing water storage capacity, were also lauded by him. Korba, Bhubaneswar, and Vizianagaram also reported positive effects.
Every drop of water conserved today will ensure the future of future generations, the Prime Minister said, and he pleaded with every citizen to do their part in preserving a local pond, well, or stepwell. Strengthening India’s water security and creating resilience against future water difficulties, he said, requires continued public participation.
