People of Kutch faced Cyclone Biparjoy with full courage and preparedness: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Cyclone Biparjoy wreaked so much havoc in Kutch, but the people of Kutch faced it with full “courage and preparedness.”

“Cyclone Biparjoy caused a lot of destruction in Kutch. But, the courage and preparedness with which the people of Kutch fought such a dangerous cyclone is equally unprecedented too” he said while addressing his 102nd Mann ki Baat.

Cyclone Biparjoy, which means “disaster” in Bengali language, made landfall in Gujarat on Thursday with wind speed of 125 kmph, wreaked havoc on the coastal region of Kutch and Saurashtra in Gujarat, left 47 people injured and 234 cattle dead. Whereas nobody died due to cyclone Biparjoy

Mr Modi said “Kutch was once termed as never to be able to recover after the devastating earthquake two decades ago… I am sure the people of Kutch will rapidly emerge from the devastation caused by Cyclone Biperjoy”

He said “Be it the biggest goal, be it the toughest challenge, the collective force of the people of India, the collective power, solves every challenge.”

Prime Minister also lauded India’s increasing capability to deal with natural disasters as he expressed confidence in the last few years, India’s disaster management capability has increased and it is becoming an example.

“There is a significant way to combat natural calamities –viz. Conservation of nature” he added.

Prime Minister also talked about the water conservation and urged the people to strengthen the “Catch the Rain” initiative during the monsoon session.

“These days during monsoon, our responsibility in this direction increases manifold. That is why today the country is making collective efforts through campaigns like ‘Catch the Rain’” he said.

Mr Modi said last month in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, we had discussed about start-ups associated with water conservation. This time too I have come to know through letters about many people who are trying their very best to save every drop of water”.

During the programme, PM Modi also shared the story of Tulsiram of Bundelkhand regions. He said Tulsiram ji has built more than 40 ponds in the area, taking the people of the village along with him and the result of his hard work is that the ground water level in his village is improving”.

He also shared the example of Hapur district in U.P where the people collectively have revived an extinct river Neem.

“Friends, these rivers, canals, lakes are not only water sources… life’s myriad hues & emotions are also associated with them” he said.