Modi calls for protection of environment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for protection of the environment and said conservation of water and forests was people's responsibility.

"Let us pledge to conserve every drop of water. Even if a single drop of water is wasted, it should hurt us," Modi said in his 21st radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Citing examples from states including Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, the prime minister said: "So many states have undertaken wonderful efforts to mitigate the drought. This is cutting across party lines."

He also laid emphasis on using the "drip irrigation" technique to tackle drought.

"Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh have used technology very well to mitigate the drought. Jan Bhagidari (people's participation) is also vital," he said.

Modi spoke about his meeting with the chief ministers of various drought-hit states.

"I decided to meet every chief minister individually as opposed to calling all of them together and having one meeting," he said.

Modi said this year the UN decided the theme of the World Environment Day on June 5 will be the "Zero Tolerance for Illegal Wildlife Trade".

--IANS

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