New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech today spoke about Jal Jivan Mission and urged citizens to contribute in conserving water resources and harvest rainwater. The government has earmarked Rs 3.5 lakh crore budget for the implementation of the Mission. Prime Minister Links Kashmir Move to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Dream; Here Are Highlights of His August 15 Speech.

Modi said in his speech, “The movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level. It cannot become a mere Government programme. People from all walks of life have to be integrated into this movement."

To look into the water scarcity issue, the new Modi government had earlier formed a new ministry-the Jal Shakti Ministry which merged two water-related ministries. This Ministry will look at managing water resources and also provide clean drinking water in every household.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2019 10:24 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).