Rajendra Singh
This is Rajendra Singh’s full biography ¹ ² ³:
Early Life:
Uttar Pradesh, India’s Bagpat district is home to Daula village, where Rajendra Singh was born on August 6, 1959.
– He was the oldest of seven children born into a Rajput Zamindar household.
– His father worked as an agriculturalist and zamindar.
– Ramesh Sharma, a member of the Gandhi Peace Foundation, had a significant influence on him.
Education:
Bhartiya Rishikul Ayurvedic Mahavidyalaya College Baraut is where he obtained his degree in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.
Career:
After joining Chatra Yuva Sangarsh Vahini, he rose to the position of leader.
In 1980, he began working for the government as a professional.
– After three years of membership, he rose to the position of General Secretary within Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS).
– Since 2009, he has been a member of the National Ganga River Basin Authority.
Achievements:
– Due to his efforts in water conservation, he is referred to as the “Waterman of India”.
– In 2001, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his community-centered strategy for water development.
– In 2015, he received the Stockholm Water Prize.
Honours & Recognition:
– In 2008, The Guardian listed him as one of the “50 people who could save the planet”.
– In 2000, the Indian President awarded him the Joseph C. John Award for the greatest environmental community in India.
– In 2003, Prince Charles visited him.
– The Parliamentary Committee on Environment visited him.
Work in Water Conservation:
After discovering that a lack of water was the root of all suffering, he began working in the Alwar district to conserve water.
– After receiving guidance from an elderly resident of Gopalpura, a community in the upper Sarsa River watershed, he revitalised the ancient rainwater gathering facilities. As soon as this project started to show results, nearby towns were inspired to take similar action. This helped to recharge groundwater, restore soil moisture, and revitalise the ecology in addition to helping to “catch the rain” for surface water access.
– To make decisions collectively and to design, build, and maintain rainwater harvesting structures with locally accessible materials and community labour, he organised people to create Gramme Sabhas.
– Rainwater is first captured and then allowed to “flow slowly” through the use of structures like jihads, anicuts, and bandhs. This allows the water to remain on the surface and also seep into the earth, replenishing subsurface aquifers.
– Through this endeavour, five dried-up rivers—the Arvari, Sarsa, Bhagani-Tildeh, Jahajwali, and Ruparel—have been revived in addition to dry wells and handpumps.
Impact:
– His efforts have enhanced the region’s general development and prosperity by enhancing agriculture, extending animal husbandry, boosting forest resources, and relieving women and children of the arduous task of transporting water over long distances.
– His actions have aided in recharging groundwater, replenishing soil moisture, and reviving the environment.
– In addition, his efforts have helped to maintain surface water flow, lower runoff velocity, and replenish the aquifer below, guaranteeing that there will always be water in the wells downstream, even during the dry season.
To sum up:
The “Waterman of India,” Rajendra Singh, has devoted his life to community development and water conservation. Through his initiatives, he has increased forest resources, enhanced agriculture, expanded animal husbandry, provided water security to parched areas, and freed women and children from the backbreaking task of transporting water. Numerous honours, such as the Stockholm Water Prize and the Ramon Magsaysay Award, have been given to him in recognition of his achievements. He keeps trying to achieve his objectives of ending the water conflict and bringing harmony to the communities he works with.
