File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
| Photo Credit: ANI
In the 120th episode of Mann Ki Baat, his customary radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday (March 30, 2025) pitched for rainwater harvesting, waste water management and recycling of waste for a sustainable future. Giving out details of the benefit of rainwater harvesting, Mr. Modi said that over the last few years, unprecedented tasks related to water conservation had been undertaken in many parts of the country.
“During the last seven-eight years, over 11 billion cubic metres of water has been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures,” he said, adding that water accumulated in the Bhakra Nangal dam was not more than nine-10 billion cubic metres. “Countrymen, through their tiny efforts, have managed to conserve 11 billion cubic metres of water in different parts of the country — isn’t that a great effort,” Mr. Modi said.
On efforts towards sustainable fashion, he said many items, including decorative pieces, handbags, stationery, and toys were being made from textile waste. “Many organisations are engaged in popularising ‘circular fashion brands’ these days. New rental platforms are also coming up, where designer clothes are available on rent. Some organisations collect old clothes, make them reusable and distribute them to the poor,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that some cities were carving a new identity for themselves in dealing with textile waste. “Panipat in Haryana is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. More than half of the textile waste is collected here, which is an example for our other cities as well. Similarly, Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu is engaged in textile waste management through waste water treatment and renewable energy,” Mr. Modi said.
He also announced ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ as the theme of this year’s International Day of Yoga, coming up on June 21. He said the day had now taken “the shape of a grand festival”.
Published – March 30, 2025 10:03 pm IST