NEW DELHI, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday called upon the people to conserve water.

Modi made the call as he returned with his Mann Ki Baat (straight talk from heart) monthly radio address after assuming power for the second consecutive term.

"I appeal to all Indians, including eminent people from all walks of life, to create awareness on water conservation. Secondly, share knowledge of traditional methods of water conservation. Third, if you know about individuals or NGOs working on water, do share about them," the Indian prime minister said.

Over the past few weeks, Chennai in southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has been experiencing severe water crisis. People have to queue outside tankers to get water and at some places restaurants and hotels have been closed in the wake of the water shortage.

Severe water shortage has also been reported from parts of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

"Water scarcity affects many parts of the country every year. You will be surprised that only 8 percent of the water received from rains in the entire year is harvested in our country. I believe, like the other problems on hand, we can also solve this predicament by the participation of the people, Janbhagidari and their power Janshakti and we are bound to find a solution through the strength, cooperation and resolution of one hundred and thirty crore citizens," Modi said.

Modi also requested the people to share traditional methods that have been in use over the centuries for the conservation of water. He asked the people to pay a visit to Porbandar to see a 200-year-old water tank which is still capable of storing water and has a mechanism to harvest rain water.