PM Modi pitches water conservation amid widespread monsoon deficit

PM Modi in 'Man Ki Baat' urged water conservation through the 'catch the rain' campaign, which started July 4.

The campaign focuses on rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, rejuvenation of old water bodies, and tree plantation.

India faces a nationwide cumulative monsoon rainfall deficit of over 15% as of late July.

Improved rains are expected next week in northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR) and eastern regions (West Bengal, Odisha).

July is still projected to end with a countrywide deficit, with weak monsoon conditions continuing over northwest areas.