Mann ki Baat: On World River Day, PM Modi stresses importance of river rejuvenation, cleanliness

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly “Mann Ki Baat” programme on Sunday reinforced the significance of rivers on World Rivers Day and said they are organically related to India’s ancient heritage and culture.

He also stressed the importance of conservation and harvesting of rainwater, and the cleanliness drive which he said should not flame down.

He emphasised the success the country achieved during the ‘Swachhta Abhiyan” through collective efforts and pitched for the continuation of the momentum.

He also referred to the teachings and practices of Mahatma Gandhi with regard to cleanliness, saying he linked it with the independence struggle to raise mass awakening regarding it.

Dwelling on the importance of rivers on World Rivers Day, which is celebrated today, Modi said: “River is not merely a physical entity. It does not consume its own water but provides it for others. That is why it is lionised as Mother.”

Also, rivers reinvigorate national spirit and national unity, he claimed.

He made a mention of the ‘Namami Gange’, or Clean Ganga, project—a pet project of the prime minister’s that was launched in 2014— and said it had become a peoples’ movement. He said the articles donated to him are auctioned, and the proceeds are contributed to the programme.

He expanded the concept of cleanliness drive by linking it to transparency and corruption-free practices in governance and public dealings.

He also spoke about the digital push that his government had given. He said digital practices have ensured that money reaches directly to the targeted beneficiaries. Digital transactions have ensured this, he said, and also referred to Rs 6 lakh crore payments made through UPI.

In August there were transactions worth more than Rs 350 crore through UPI, he said, and then lauded the Fin-Tech platform in this regard.

Siachen expedition

Modi noted the hoisting of Indian Tricolour on “Kumar Post” —the highest peak point of Siachen Glacier—by an eight-member expedition team of Divyangjan (physically challenged). He named the members of the team including Ajay Kumar (Haryana) and Irfan Ahmad Mir (Jammu and Kashmir).

“They demonstrated can-do spirit,” Modi said and called their feat “inspirational”.