PM Modi calls on nation to conserve water amid 'alarming' drought conditions

New Delhi: Calling the prevalent condition of drought across parts of the nation as 'alarming', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called on the nation to hold the conservation of water as their highest priority and assured that the government was doing everything possible to tackle the situation.

Addressing the nation in the 19th edition of his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on the cleaning of river Ganga, saying that it was an essential water resource.

Here are the highlights from the Prime Minister's address:

- Water crisis is an issue which does strike a sentimentality but it also induces within everyone a need to do something about it: PM Modi

- I was told that in Gorva villahe in Devas district in Madhya Pradesh, steps are being taken to create a farm pond: PM Modi

- When the water table rises, the quality of water also improves. Clean drinking water means better health & stronger growth of economy: PM Modi

- The news of a good monsoon has made several people happy: PM Modi

- We must make a collective effort to ensure that rain water remains in villages: PM Modi

- We will all have to be change agents for the cleaning of the Ganga. The Government is making numerous efforts: PM Modi

- On 14th April we celebrated Ambedkar's birth anniversary and on 24th April we are celebrating Panchayati Rajya Divas: PM Modi

- Parents in every family have only one dream and that is providing quality education to their children: PM Modi

- Every government in our country has contributed towards education and made attempts in their own way: PM Modi

- Now, our focus must shift from only schooling to learning: PM Modi

- Importance on skill must be given the same way it is paid to education. Technology will play a major role in education: PM Modi

- Kumbh Mela is a specialty of our nation and it can become the focal point of our tourism: PM Modi

- Very few people across the globe are away that crores of people come in scores on the banks of the rivers: PM Modi

- Many people are uploading photos of the Simhasth Kumbh. We should encourage them, so that people know about the Kumbh Mela: PM Modi

- MP Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan was also telling me about how they are focussing on cleanliness during this year's Simhasth Kumbh: PM Modi

- Your Mann ki Baat has deeply connected with my Mann ki Baat and that gives me great joy: PM Modi