Prime Minister Shri Modi Highlights Nearly 1,500 Farm Ponds in Sidhi and Amrit Sarovars in Narsinghpur During “Mann Ki Baat”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, highlighted the water conservation initiatives undertaken in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi and Narsinghpur districts while discussing the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. Appreciating the State Government’s efforts, the Prime Minister said that nearly 1,500 farm ponds had been constructed in Sidhi district, while Amrit Sarovars in Narsinghpur had been rejuvenated.

Prime Minister Shri Modi emphasised that the campaign to conserve every drop of rainwater must be transformed into a people’s movement. He urged citizens to take responsibility for a nearby pond, well or stepwell and actively participate in the mission to save every drop of water. He said that every drop of water conserved today would become the greatest asset for future generations.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav listened to the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ with local residents at Kanchana Ghat in the historic and religious town of Orchha in Niwari district. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Horticulture and Food Processing Minister and Niwari District In-charge Minister Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah, public representatives and local residents were also present on the occasion.

Conserve Rainwater Where It Falls

Prime Minister Shri Modi said that the message of the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign is simple: “Wherever rain falls, conserve the water there itself.” He noted that a nationwide special campaign has been underway since 4 July to accelerate rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of traditional water bodies and tree plantation. The Prime Ministr said that people across villages and cities, along with Panchayats and social organisations, have enthusiastically participated in the campaign. In many places, silt is being removed from old ponds, while wells and stepwells are being revived. Defunct borewells are also being converted into groundwater recharge structures.

During ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Prime Minister Shri Modi also highlighted the encouraging outcomes of similar water conservation initiatives in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Mahesh Kewat and Niwari MLA Shri Anil Jain were also present during the programme.