PM highlights global textile waste crisis in his Mann Ki Baat programme
Mar 30, 2025Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the challenge of textile waste, saying that it has become a major cause of worry for the entire world. Addressing the nation in his Mann Ki Baat programme on Sunday, Mr Modi expressed concern over a finding that only less than one percent of textile waste is recycled into new clothes. He said, India is the third country in the world where the maximum textile waste is generated.
The Prime Minister said, the trend of getting rid of old clothes as soon as possible and buying new ones is increasing all over the world, leading to textile waste. He, however, noted that many commendable efforts are being undertaken in India to deal with this challenge. Many Indian start-ups have begun work on textile recovery facilities. Mr Modi highlighted that many such teams are working for the empowerment of ragpickers, and others are involved in efforts towards Sustainable Fashion.
Prime Minister said old clothes and footwear are being recycled and distributed to the needy. He said, several items like decorative pieces, handbags, stationery and toys are being made from textile waste. Mr Modi hailed the organizations engaged in popularizing the ‘circular fashion brands’. He remarked that new rental platforms are also coming up, where designer clothes are available on rent. Some organizations collect old clothes to make them reusable and distribute them to the poor.
Prime Minister Modi observed that some cities are also carving a new identity for themselves in dealing with textile waste. He gave the example of Panipat in Haryana, which is emerging as a global hub for textile recycling. He added that Bengaluru is also creating a distinct identity for itself with innovative tech solutions. He said, more than half of the textile waste is collected in Bengaluru, which is an example for other cities as well. Mr Modi also mentioned Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, which is engaged in textile waste management through waste water treatment and renewable energy.
Speaking about water harvesting, the Prime Minister said, as soon as summer approaches, preparations for saving water begins in many cities and villages. He expressed satisfaction that works related to water harvesting and water conservation have gained new momentum in many states. He noted that Jal Shakti Ministry and numerous NGOs are working in this direction, and thousands of artificial ponds, check dams, borewell recharge and community soak pits are being constructed in the country.
Mr Modi further stated that like every year, preparations have been made on a war footing for ‘Catch The Rain’ campaign this year as well. He added that Jal Sanchay-Jan Bhagidari Abhiyan is also being run to connect more and more people with water conservation. He stressed that the endeavour is to safely pass on the natural resources to the next generation.
The Prime Minister told listeners that over the last few years, unprecedented tasks related to water conservation have been undertaken in many parts of the country. He exuded pride that during the last 7 to 8 years, over 11 billion cubic metres of water have been conserved through newly built tanks, ponds and other water recharge structures. Mr Modi praised the efforts of countrymen, saying these led to the conservation of 11 billion cubic meters of water in different parts of the country. He elaborated that even the Govind Sagar lake, with a length of more than 90 kilometres, can conserve only 9 to 10 billion cubic metres.
Mr Modi also lauded the efforts of the people of Gadag district of Karnataka for reviving a dried up lake. Villagers, and social organizations in the vicinity, managed to clean the garbage and mud in the lake. He called this a great example of the ‘Catch The Rain’ campaign. He urged listeners to turn the Campaign into a mass movement.
In this edition of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister advised students to take up a hobby and do constructive things during their summer vacations. He emphasised that this is the time to inculcate a new hobby and hone skills. He added that there is no dearth of platforms for children today where they can learn. Mr Modi stated that children can learn about open-source software as well as app development from tech camps. He added that many schools also teach speech or drama, which are useful for children. He also said students have the opportunity to join volunteer activities and service endeavours during these holidays. He urged children to join such programs. Mr Modi asked organisations, schools and social institutions organising such summer activities to share their programmes with the hashtag – MyHolidays. He said this will help children and their parents to get information easily.
Most Recent
