With the ongoing water crisis in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to focus on this in his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of second term, stressing on the need to conserve water,

Referring to what Rigveda says about water, the PM Modi said that ‘water is of great importance in our culture’. Given the ongoing drought, he said that a new Jalshakti Ministry has been created to allow faster decision-making on this subject.

He stressed on the need for water conservation stating that only 8 per cent of rain water is harvested every year.

“My second request to be the countrymen is to share many traditional methods that have been in use over the centuries in our country for the conservation of water. I urge all you to share these traditional methods of water conservation. My third request to all of you is that share the information concerning the people who are making significant contributions towards water conservation,” he said.

On International Yoga Day, PM Modi said that once again, this was celebrated together with fervor and enthusiasm. “There were instances of three-four generations of each family coming together to participate on Yoga Day,” he said.

He also congratulated the Election Commission on successfully completing the process and commended the fact that women enthusiastically participated in it.

Modi had signed off the last episode of the Mann Ki Baat in February ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. In his address, Modi had exuded confidence that the BJP will return to power for a second term and his radio programme will resume after the polls.