PM Modi calls for annual 'Nadi Utsav'

Pune : The Prime Minister urged people to observe Nadi Utsav once a year in urban areas to spread awareness about water conservation.

The PM said that he would encourage people to observe 'Nadi Utsav' (river festivals) once a year, and a day could be designated for it. It will promote awareness about water usage among the people.

The Prime Minister commented that the river festivals would help people the value of every drop of water.

Prime Minister Modi mentioned several "green" initiatives that his government is launching to help promote sustainable development during his speech.

In his view, the government should provide green transportation and encourage the use of electric vehicles, as well as establish integrated waste and sewage treatment plants.

"It is our government's effort that every city should have more and more green means of transport, and electric buses, cars, two-wheelers," the Prime Minister said.

In addition, he stated that all cities should have a waste management system that supports the circular economy.

"We must focus on developing a sustainable environment that supports our vision of a circular economy, promotes 'Waste to Wealth' and encourages green development," PM Modi said.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister stated that the development of modern infrastructure depends on the "speed and scale" of the projects.

"The most important thing for the development of modern infrastructure in any country is speed and scale. But for decades, we had such systems that the completion of important projects used to take a long time. This sluggish attitude has been affecting the development of the country as well," he said.

"Our government has prepared the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan because of that," he said.

In his address, the Prime Minister outlined the work done under PM Gati Shakti, saying the government is focused on delivering speedy, integrated development projects.

This project will implement pollution abatement on the Mula-Mutha River based on the concept of "One City, One Operator". Eleven sewage treatment plants, with a capacity of over 400 MMLD, will be built in the project.

At Baner, the Prime Minister will launch 100 e-buses and an e-bus depot.