Massive effort to be launched for water conservation: Narendra Modi

New Delhi: With various parts of the country witnessing drought, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said a ‘massive effort’ will be launched for water conservation and storage under MNREGA in the next couple of months and urged official youth organisations like NCC to contribute in this.

Modi, while reviewing the functioning of official youth organizations, including the NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Indian Red Cross Society and NYKS here, emphasised the need for better coordination and synergy among these groups.

"Discussing the immediate tasks ahead where these organizations could play an important role, the Prime Minister said that in the next couple of months, there would be a massive effort under MGNREGA for water conservation and storage mechanisms," a PMO statement said.

His comment about effort for water conservation and storage mechanisms assumes significance as various parts of the country are reeling under drought.

Modi urged these youth organisations to mobilize to the greatest extent possible, to dovetail and contribute to these efforts.

As the representatives for the youth organizations explained their functioning and role in society, the Prime Minister gave several other inputs and suggestions, the statement said.

In particular, he mentioned the tasks of 'Swachhta' (cleanliness), creation of open defecation-free clusters, and inculcation of a fresh national spirit among the youth, as key objectives that the youth organizations should strive for.

He mentioned the government's 'Mission Indradhanush' initiative to reach the unvaccinated children, and said youth organizations can aid in this initiative, the statement said.

The Prime Minister also called for synergy among various initiatives and programmes organized on National Youth Day on January 12, so that a more meaningful impact could be achieved.

He asked official youth organizations to keep a more active presence on social media, to generate a wider appeal, and better connect with the youth.