The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Get ready for `water satyagraha'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 03, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Get ready for `water satyagraha'

Staff Reporter

Rajendra Singh — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

BANGALORE: Water is precious and will become scarce in future.

At a time when privatisation of water resources is gaining momentum, a bunch of volunteers are fighting it and are seeking water as the right of people through "satyagraha".

Jal Biradari, a non-governmental organisation formed by Rajendra Singh has started a nation-wide "Jal Satyagraha", which would be launched in Karnataka in July.

"Jal Satyagraha" was launched in New Delhi on April 18 to commemorate the centenary celebrations of the satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi.

Mr. Singh was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2001 for his work in improving the water situation in 10 districts of Rajasthan using locally available techniques.

Mr. Singh, who was here recently, said: "Water is the basis of life and should be available to all life forms. Ownership cannot be transferred to any company, and the Government's water policy should be changed."

Further, he said: "We want to create a debate over privatisation of water as it is the fundamental right of the people.

"Privatisation of water would help only 20 per cent of Karnataka's population." The "Jal Satyagraha" has been launched in Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, and Mr. Rajendra Singh will be finalising the details of "Jal Satyagraha" for the North East.

Jal Biradari Karnataka unit president D.R. Patil said apart from the issue of water privatisation, some local issues would be taken up during the "Jal Satyagraha".

He said, "Water conservation techniques, drought-proofing activities and proper utilisation of water in agriculture would be highlighted in Karnataka."

The aim of "Jal Satyagraha", he said, was to help farmers come out of bad situation.

"We are trying to arrange for talks on water conservation to the legislators of Karnataka by Mr. Singh." A legislators' forum would be launched to create water conservation issues, he added.

The "Jal Satyagraha" will be launched either from Bangalore or Kolar and will move throughout the State.

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