Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed the importance of water conservation as he launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign virtually. Speaking during the launch, PM Modi called for participation from every citizen of the country and said that as the country is moving on the path of development, the crisis of water is also increasing.
Launching Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign virtually on the occasion of World Water Day, Mr. Modi noted that the awareness around Jal Shakti Mission is increasing. He expressed happiness that villagers are trying to save rainwater and educate others to promote efficient use of water.
The Prime Minister said water is more precious than money but there has been a lack in preserving water resources. He said the government is working towards water governance and water conservation, be it PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, ‘Per Drop More Crop’ campaign, or Namami Gange Mission. Mr. Modi emphasized that if India manages rainwater better, it will reduce the country’s dependence on groundwater. Therefore, running campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’, and being successful in it are very important. He said losses during droughts can be controlled if more water is saved during rains.
‘Catch the Rain’ campaign aims to ”conserve rainwater when it falls, where it falls so that water reaches every corner of the nation.” PM Modi launched the campaign via video conferencing today. The ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, focusing on water security, will go on from March 22 to November 30, covering the pre-monsoon and monsoon season in the country. It will also encourage ”water conservation at the grass-root level through people’s participation.” The United Nations designated World Water Day is being marked across the globe and the theme this year is ”Valuing Water”.
Interacting with Santosh, a sarpanch from Pune, Maharashtra, Mr. Modi stressed that sugarcane can grow through drip irrigation and sprinkles too. He said it will not only save water resources but also increase profits. Interacting with Vidya Ben from Gujarat, the Prime Minister said Aadiwasi people have always put their faith in water and treated it as a stream of development. He added that if the country learns this faith from the Aadiwasi people, water problems will be solved.
World Water Day and India
”Our small acts of water conservation can collectively have a bigger impact, such as improving the lives of women working in fields. Save water for an equal world,” the ministry said on World Water Day.
