Who is the Waterman Leading the Charge to Save the Baitarani River?

Environmental Crusade in Keonjhar

In Keonjhar, renowned Indian environmentalist Rajendra Singh, affectionately known as Jal Purush or the Waterman, participated in the 'Baitarani Banchao Yatra' on Wednesday. This initiative is part of a two-day mission aimed at raising awareness about the necessity of protecting the Baitarani River, which began at its source in Gonasika.

While engaging with local residents, Singh highlighted the critical importance of preserving rivers, forests, and land from industrial exploitation. He stated, "The Baitarani is a community asset, not a resource for corporations," and pointed out that industries are utilizing river water to transport iron ore via slurry pipelines, which adversely affects tribal communities, forests, and ecosystems. His campaign aims to educate the public on the essential connection between water, land, and forests while combating harmful practices.

Sudarshan Das, who coordinates the Mahanadi Banchao Movement, expressed concern for the revered Baitarani, which is worshipped similarly to the Ganga. He noted, "This river is vital for the districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Bhadrak. Its preservation is essential for both human and wildlife survival." Participants voiced their frustrations over companies allegedly extracting water from the river during dry seasons, despite government prohibitions, resulting in downstream water shortages.

On Thursday, the group plans to inspect an intake well and slurry pipeline in Basantpur, followed by a visit to the Kanpur Irrigation Project site to meet with farmers who have been displaced or affected. Activists, including Padma Shri Daitari Naik from Keonjhar and Ashok Thakkar from Barbil, are also part of the yatra. Additionally, they intend to explore the Sona and Karo rivers in the Joda mining region, where pollution from mining and industrial activities is increasingly alarming.