In the light of alarming cases of rivers drying up before the onset of monsoon and instances of water getting contaminated by toxic and non-degradable filth, there is an urgent need to launch a water-conservation awareness drive to save the waterbodies. The call to this effect was made by water conservationist from Rajasthan and the 2015 Stockholm water prize winner Rajendra Singh, widely known as India’s Waterman while addressing a river conservation programme on the bank of the Chandragiri river here on Wednesday.
Stating that political parties have a major stake in ensuring the health of and rejuvenation of waterbodies, Mr. Singh exhorted them to refrain away from running after the nation’s influential industrial groups like the Ambanis and the Adanis. He said it was grim to note that the forces of nature had lost faith in human beings. It was time that the new generation shouldered the responsibility of rejuvenating the dying rivers.
The function, hosted by the Jilla Paristhiti Samiti, was chaired
by environmentalist P.P.K. Poduval. Chemnad grama panchayat standing committee chairperson C.M. Shazia read out the river conservation pledge to the gathering.
CPI district secretary Govindan Pallikappil, Indian Union Muslim League leader M.C. Khamaruddin, and samiti secretary
Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan were present.
