Prime Minister praises Korba’s ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign; Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai says repeated mention of Chhattisgarh reflects the state’s growing contribution to nation-building
TFP Bureau, Raipur/New Delhi, July 26, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the nation’s brave soldiers on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, highlighted India’s growing technological and defence capabilities, and applauded community-driven development initiatives across the country during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat on Sunday. Among the initiatives praised by the Prime Minister was Korba’s successful implementation of the ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, bringing national recognition to Chhattisgarh’s efforts in water conservation.
Listening to the broadcast along with public representatives, youth and citizens at Daya Bhawan in Fafadih, Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the repeated mention of Chhattisgarh in Mann Ki Baat as a matter of pride for every resident of the state. He said the Prime Minister’s recognition of Korba’s achievements reflects Chhattisgarh’s growing role in innovation, sustainable development and public participation.
PM Pays Tribute to Kargil Heroes
Opening the programme, Prime Minister Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War, describing July 26 as a day that symbolizes the extraordinary courage, sacrifice and patriotism of India’s Armed Forces. He also highlighted the ongoing ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a motorcycle rally travelling from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras under the theme “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized India’s growing defence self-reliance, citing the induction of the indigenously built INS Mahendragiri, successful tests of the Pinaka Long-Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile, and recent international defence cooperation agreements, including those related to BrahMos and Astra missile systems.
Korba’s Water Conservation Efforts Receive National Recognition
A significant part of the programme focused on the nationwide ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, aimed at conserving rainwater through harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of traditional water bodies and tree plantation.
Prime Minister Modi cited several successful examples from across India and specifically appreciated Korba, Chhattisgarh, for its innovative water conservation initiatives. He noted that encouraging results are emerging from the district through community participation and scientific water management practices.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s remarks, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Korba has adopted advanced measures such as geospatial mapping, shallow aquifer management, recharge wells and scientific groundwater conservation techniques to strengthen long-term water security. He reiterated that conserving every drop of rain is essential for agriculture, environmental sustainability and future generations.
The Chief Minister added that the Chhattisgarh government is actively promoting rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, restoration of ponds and traditional water bodies, and large-scale plantation drives across the state. He urged citizens to transform these efforts into a people’s movement through active participation.
Focus on Youth, Science and Innovation
Prime Minister Modi praised the achievements of Indian youth in sports, science and technology. He congratulated badminton star PV Sindhu for becoming the first Indian to win the Japan Open title and lauded the Indian women’s cricket team’s historic victory at Lord’s.
He also celebrated India’s successful launch of Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed rocket, calling it a milestone for India’s expanding space sector. Congratulating Indian students for their outstanding performance at international Science Olympiads, he said the country’s youth continue to make India proud through excellence in innovation and research.
Chief Minister Sai said these achievements demonstrate India’s growing global stature and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting quality education, skill development, innovation and sports infrastructure to prepare young people for the future.
Vocal for Local, Environment and Cultural Heritage
The Prime Minister once again appealed to citizens to strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign by supporting indigenous products, handloom, handicrafts and eco-friendly traditions. He encouraged people to install clay idols during Ganesh Chaturthi instead of those made from Plaster of Paris and urged citizens to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ plantation campaign.
Referring to these appeals, Chief Minister Sai said Chhattisgarh possesses immense potential in tribal handicrafts, kosa silk, bamboo products, bell metal crafts, terracotta and forest-based products. He urged people to support local artisans while protecting the environment by adopting eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols.
Call for Har Ghar Tiranga
Ahead of Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi appealed to citizens to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign by proudly hoisting the National Flag at their homes and institutions.
Chief Minister Sai echoed the appeal and urged the people of Chhattisgarh to celebrate the campaign with patriotism and respect for the Tricolour.
The Chief Minister also paid homage to the martyrs of the Kargil War, saying their courage and supreme sacrifice would continue to inspire generations of Indians.
MLA Purandar Mishra, Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Chairman Vishva Vijay Singh Tomar, Chhattisgarh Rajya Gau Seva Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Lochan Maharaj, along with public representatives, youth and citizens, were present during the programme in Raipur.
