Over all of India, where millions of people are suffering from acute water scarcity, there is one shining hope, Rajendra Singh, also referred to as the “Waterman of India.” The trajectory of Indian environmentalism has been permanently altered by his extraordinary journey from seeing environmental degradation to leading a grassroots campaign for water conservation. Rajendra Singh, the Waterman of India, has become a symbol of hope by reviving water-scarce villages through traditional techniques and community action.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born on August 6, 1959, in the village of Daula, Bagpat district, Uttar Pradesh, Rajendra Singh was the eldest of seven siblings. His father was an agriculturist, overseeing their 60 acres of land. However, it was encounters with influential figures that shaped his path:
- Ramesh Sharma: In 1974, while still in high school, Rajendra met Ramesh Sharma, a member of the Gandhi Peace Foundation. Sharma’s village improvement initiatives, including alcoholism eradication programs, left a lasting impact on young Rajendra.
- Pratap Singh: His English teacher, Pratap Singh, engaged students in discussions about politics and social issues. During the Emergency in 1975, Rajendra became acutely aware of democracy’s importance and formed independent views.
Returning to his Roots, Leading the Charge
After completing his education, Singh returned to his roots, not as a doctor, his formal training, but as an environmental crusader. He partnered with local NGOs and grassroots organizations, recognizing the importance of community involvement in reviving traditional water harvesting techniques.
The Journey of a Water Warrior
Rajendra Singh’s journey as the “Waterman of India” began when he founded the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) in 1975. Based in the village of Hori-Bhikampura near the Sariska Tiger Reserve, TBS fought bureaucracy and mining interests to empower villagers in water management. Their semi-arid region, close to the Thar Desert, faced water scarcity.
Key Achievements:
- Johads and Water Conservation Structures: Starting with a single village in 1985, TBS built over 8,600 johads (traditional rainwater storage tanks) and other structures. Singh championed the restoration of johads, earthen dams used for centuries to collect rainwater. These time-tested methods, when combined with modern scientific understanding, offered a sustainable solution to the water crisis. Through his organization, the Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) founded in 1975, Singh spearheaded the construction and repair of johads, promoting water conservation awareness and encouraging sustainable water management practices.
- Reviving Rivers: TBS revived five rivers in Rajasthan: Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani, and Jahajwali. These rivers had been dry for decades, but Rajendra’s efforts brought them back to life.
- Village Empowerment: Singh’s work goes beyond mere infrastructure development, it is rooted in community empowerment and sustainable development. Through TBS, he has empowered local residents to take ownership of water management initiatives, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility within communities. By integrating water conservation with livelihood enhancement programs, Singh has helped rural populations build resilient and sustainable futures.
- National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA): Rajendra Singh served as a member of NGRBA, established by the Indian government in 2009. NGRBA coordinates efforts for the Ganges (Ganga) river’s protection.
- Global Impact: In the UK, Rajendra co-founded the NGO Flow Partnership, countering soil erosion and flooding.
From Parched Villages to Flowing Abundance
The impact of Singh’s work has been nothing short of remarkable. Communities have revived over 1,000 villages in Rajasthan, a testament to the power of community action and traditional knowledge. Over 8,600 johads and other water conservation structures stand tall, symbols of hope in a once-desolate landscape. Rajendra Singh’s efforts extended to reviving even rivers like the Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani, and Jahajwali. Their waters now nourish the land and its people, a testament to the success of his work.
Recognition and a Legacy of Inspiration
Singh’s dedication has earned him international recognition. He is the recipient of the prestigious Magsaysay Award (2001) for community leadership, the Stockholm Water Prize (2015) for his water conservation activities, and the Jamnalal Bajaj Award (2005) for his contribution to rural development.
A Model for a Sustainable Future
Rajendra Singh’s story is an inspiration for all. It demonstrates the transformative power of individual action, the importance of reviving traditional knowledge, and the necessity of community involvement in tackling complex environmental challenges. As climate change threatens water security across the globe, Singh’s model of water conservation offers a blueprint for a more sustainable future. Rajendra Singh, the “Waterman of India,” demonstrates that even in scarcity, dedication, collaboration, and a deep respect for the natural world can lead to abundance.
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For more information, visit the Tarun Bharat Sangh website.
Rajendra Singh is also referred to as the “Waterman of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dr. Rajendra Singh is a renowned environmentalist and water conservationist. He earned the nickname “Waterman of India” for his tireless efforts in reviving water resources in rural Rajasthan, a region plagued by drought and water scarcity.
Rajendra Singh founded the NGO Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS) in 1975. TBS focuses on water management and empowerment of villagers in semi-arid regions.
Johads are traditional rainwater storage tanks built by TBS. They collect rainwater during monsoons, ensuring water availability during dry seasons.
Rajendra Singh and TBS revived five rivers in Rajasthan: Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani, and Jahajwali. These rivers had been dry for decades but were rejuvenated through their efforts.
Rajendra Singh received the Magsaysay Award (2001) and the Stockholm Water Prize (2015) for his exceptional contributions to water conservation.
Singh’s dedication has resulted in significant achievements. The Construction of over 8,600 johads and other water conservation structures has led to the revival of over 1,000 villages in Rajasthan. Several rivers, including the Arvari and Ruparel, have also been restored.
He co-founded the NGO Flow Partnership in the UK, countering soil erosion and flooding.
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