The Waterman of India is a title for someone who works to solve water problems and revive rivers. Through efforts like water harvesting and conservation, they bring water to drought-prone areas, improving lives and inspiring others to save this vital resource. In this article, we will know about the person who is known as the “Waterman of India.”
Waterman of India
Rajendra Singh, called the “Waterman of India,” is a famous water conservationist from Rajasthan. He revived dry rivers like Arvari and helped thousands of villages manage water using traditional methods like johads. Through hos NGO, Tarun Bharat Sangh, he won awards like the Magsaysay Award (2001) and Stockholm Water Prize (2015).
Early Life of Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh was born on 6th August 1959 in the village of Daula in Uttar Pradesh’s Bagpat district. The eldest of seven siblings, he grew up on his family’s farmland. His father was an agriculturist who owed 60 acres of land. Singh’s interest in community service began in high school when he joined efforts to improve village life, clean the surroundings, and eradicate alcoholism. Influenced by mentors, he became passionate about social issues and democracy during his formative years.
Journey into Water Conservation
Rajendra Singh started his career in government service but soon felt dissatisfied with its limitations. In 1984, he left his job, sold his belongings, and moved to Alwar, Rajasthan, with a group of friends. There, he established a base in Bhikampura village and began working with villagers to address water scarcity.
The Revival of Traditional Water Techniques
Singh’s efforts focused on reviving traditional water conservation methods like johads (earthen check dams) to store rainwater and recharge groundwater. With the help of villagers, he resorted an old johad in Gopalpura. When the monsoon arrived, the structure successfully collected rainwater, and nearby wells refilled after years of being dry.
Inspired by this success, villagers, built more johads, eventually leading to the revival of rivers like Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani and Jahajwali, which had been dry for decades.
Fighting for Water and Nature
Rajendra Singh faced challenges from mining activities, which were depleting water resources. He fought legal battles, leading to a ban on mining in the Aravalli Hills by 1992. His organization, Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS), played a pivotal role in creating over 8,600 water structures, bringing water back to more than 1,000 villages in Rajasthan.
Expanding the Mission
The success of TBS spread beyond Rajasthan, reaching parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Singh also initiated the Pani Panchayat (Water Parliament) to educate people about water conservation and sustainable use of resources.
Awards and Recognition to Rajendra Singh
Rajendra Singh’s remarkable work has earned him numerous awards:
- Ramon Magsaysay Award (2001): For his leadership in water management.
- Jamnalal Bajaj Award (2005): For rural development through science and technology.
- Stockholm Water Prize (2015): Known as the “Nobel Prize for Water.”
- Recognition by The Guardian as one of the “50 people who could save the planet” in 2008.
Legacy of Waterman of India
Rajendra Singh’s efforts have transformed arid regions, revived rivers and empowered communities to manage their water resources sustainably. His journey inspires millions to value water and protect the environment.
