11 billion cubic metres of water saved in 8 years: PM Modi urges citizens to save water in Mann ki Baat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to save water during this summer season and said through various initiatives of the government and NGOs, 11 billion cubic metres of water was saved across the country in eight years. 

Urging everyone to save water during the monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast on Sunday, Modi said, “In many states, works related to water harvesting and water conservation have gained new momentum. The Ministry of Jal Shakti and numerous NGOs are working in that direction. Thousands of artificial ponds, check dams, borewell recharge and community soak pits are being constructed in the country. Like every year, this time too, preparations have been made on a war footing for the ‘catch the rain’ campaign.” Modi added, “During the last 7-8 years, over 11 billion cubic metres of water has been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures.”

Modi said various festivals being celebrated today and to be observed in the coming days are a pointer to the spirit of unity pervading India's diversity and asked people to continue to strengthen this feeling. Modi extended greetings to the citizens on these festivals.

He said the long days of summer are a time for students to develop new hobbies and polish their skills. The prime minister urged those offering various activities for students to use the hashtag "myholidays" and students and parents to share their experiences with "holidaymemories" hashtag.

The prime minister urged people to make yoga a part of their daily lives. “The International Yoga Day on June 21 has now become a grand celebration,” he said, noting that this year's theme for the event is "yoga for one earth one health".