Monalisa Patsani
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar: Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh, also known as “waterman of India” was in the city to participate in the Orissa Environment Congress, which concluded Thursday. Singh, who has been instrumental in rejuvenating rivers in Alwar, Rajasthan, has in the process resolved drinking water shortage in more than 1,000 villages. In conversation with Orissa POST, Singh discusses the Paris convention, his mission and plans:
You participated in the Paris COP 21. What were the issues that you wanted to talk about at the convention?
I have been working for the conservation of water for many years, so talking about water conservation has always been my first priority. Without talking about water you can’t talk about climate. So in Paris we wanted to talk about how we can focus on water, soil, climate and greenery to improve the atmosphere. Community support is essential to keep the atmosphere clean. I often feel that climate change is all about displacement of people, wisdom and culture which has been caused by developed countries.
In 1984 you left your government job and started a journey with a mission. What motivated you to change your mind?
From an early age I had this inner urge to work for the cause of people. With time the desire became stronger.
I was a village physician and many aged persons would visit me. Many of them used to they needed water more than medicines or treatment. They believed their children would return to them if the water shortage in their villages was resolved. And I used to tell them I was helpless on that count. One such patient told me he could teach me how to revive the aquifer. Over three days he taught me traditional methods to conserve water. I started working for water conservation from then on.
What are the steps that helped you rejuvenate rivers and bring back water to more than 1,000 villages?
I didn’t do anything big to conserve water. I followed traditional water conservation techniques such as building johads — these are tanks for rainwater storage — and check dams in villages. Groundwater level gradually increased in the vicinity of these structures. We don’t need sophisticated technology to conserve water, basic knowledge and interest can help individuals. Rain water harvesting by building johads and check dams are best to raise the groundwater level, if this level increases, the problem will automatically vanish.
You have visited more than 17 countries and studied rivers there. You have also analysed the conditions of rivers in Orissa. What are your findings?
Rivers in Orissa, be it the Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani or others are all drying up. They are getting polluted. The rivers are not safe anymore.
What steps need to be taken to protect rivers in Orissa?
To rejuvenate the rivers in Orissa, a river rejuvenation policy needs to made and river rights need to be protected. There are three rights a river must be be given. The first is land right, which ensures that no one encroaches a river’s course; the second right is the right to flow, which ensures that the river is allowed to flow freely without obstructions such as dams; and the third right is the right to cleanliness, that is being free from pollution. Industries are the biggest polluters in the state; they are also the biggest encroachers and exploiters. This needs to be checked immediately.
What is your message for youngsters?
If they want their future to be beautiful, they should love and respect the environment. They should work for the protection of the environment. If our environment is good then our youngsters would also remain healthy and happy.
What are your plans for COP 22 in Morocco?
We need to show the world that India is also concerned about climate change. We need to share success stories of community-driven natural resource management with the world.
Developed countries talk only about greenhouse gas emissions, which is also about business. So we should try to avoid becoming victims of the climate disaster caused by development in Western countries. We must start working on natural rejuvenation and conservation of water.