Amidst the prevalent water scarcity and drought in India, a group of dedicated individuals is working tirelessly to combat the crisis caused by choked lakes, polluted rivers, and plastic-filled ponds. The 2023 United Nations World Water Development Report sheds light on the alarming fact that 80 percent of people facing water stress reside in Asia, with Northeast China, India, and Pakistan bearing the brunt. Despite abundant rains, the quality of usable water remains a primary concern.
These unsung heroes exemplify the potential of sustainable practices in safeguarding our environment.
1 Nimal Raghavan – Restoring Hope and Prosperity
In the aftermath of the devastating cyclonic storm Gaja in 2018, Nimal Raghavan, a Dubai-based software developer with roots in Tamil Nadu, witnessed the destruction of his village, Nadiyam. The calamity forced farmers to abandon their lands and migrate to cities for livelihood. In a remarkable display of dedication to his homeland, Nimal chose a different path – he returned to India to restore prosperity.
At 35 years old, he left his Dubai job and embarked on a mission to revive Peravurani lake, a vital water source for over 6,000 acres of farmland. Collaborating with like-minded volunteers, Nimal planted 25,000 saplings across the Kaveri delta region. His social media campaign #BounceBackDelta provided relief to cyclone-affected individuals with essentials like clothes, groceries, and monetary assistance. The team also took up initiatives such as Miyawaki plantation, mangrove forest plantation, rainwater harvesting, and water treatment.
Their efforts have positively impacted more than 40 lakh people, restoring 118 water bodies across Tamil Nadu. Access to fresh drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and livelihood opportunities have been made possible through their dedicated endeavors.
2 Babita Rajput – Empowering Women to Combat Drought
In Madhya Pradesh’s Agrotha village, 19-year-old Babita Rajput took on the challenge of tackling water scarcity during meager rainfall. Despite a 70-acre lake drying up due to its water merging with a nearby river, Babita remained undeterred. Her persistence led to the successful petitioning for a 107-meter-long trench near the hillside to divert water back to the lake.
Farmers who had encroached on the barren lake opposed the project, fearing it would affect their farms. However, with the formation of the Jal Saheli group, initially consisting of 12 women, and later expanding to 200, Babita and her team dug a 12-foot wide, 107-meter long trench, redirecting rainwater and recharging the lake. Even during a year of less rainfall, the lake’s water level increased, providing a sustainable water source as groundwater recharged.
3 Sangay Lama – Cleansing Tsomgo Lake from Filth
Tsomgo Lake in Sikkim had become a disturbing sight, choked with waste ranging from used milk cartons to plastic bottles and sewage. A shocking revelation was that 270 households depended on this lake for their daily water needs. In 2006, Sangay Lama took it upon himself to address this dire situation.
Teaming up with the forest department, World Wide Fund (WWF), and other stakeholders, Sangay formed the Tsomgo Pokhri Sanrakshan Samiti (TPSS), a committee dedicated to lake conservation. Through waste management strategies, they set up dedicated bins for waste collection from houses and shops, which would then be disposed of at a central facility. The local community was encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as using steel glasses for water and carrying garbage bags in tourist vehicles.
Thanks to their collective efforts, Tsomgo Lake underwent a remarkable transformation. The water quality improved significantly, making it suitable for drinking without contamination fears.
4 Lisbon Ferrao – Mumbai’s Beach Cleanup Crusader
Lisbon Ferrao, leading the ‘Vasai Beach Cleaners’ group, took the initiative to restore Mumbai’s beaches from plastic waste. Witnessing his kids playing with plastic instead of sand on the beach was a wake-up call for Lisbon. Forming a team of enthusiastic young environmentalists, they dedicated their weekends to cleaning up trash from the beaches.
Over 650 tonnes of plastic waste have been cleared so far, including various items like bags, bottles, and toys. In their commitment to sustainability, the team uses reusable equipment for trash collection, minimizing further waste. To address the issue of plastic ending up in landfills, Lisbon and his team recycle it into paver blocks and plastic granules, utilized for patching potholes on roads.
Despite facing challenges, including people continuing to pollute the beaches, Lisbon remains steadfast in his mission, emphasizing the importance of each individual’s contribution to the planet.
These water warriors stand as inspiring examples of how a simple thought and action can bring about meaningful change. Their dedication reminds us that we all have the power to contribute to water conservation and sustainable practices. On this World Nature Conservation Day, let us celebrate and applaud these agents of change, and let their stories inspire us to work together for a greener and more sustainable future.
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