Create awareness among public on protecting rivers: Rajendra

Preventing the release of sewerage into rivers and protecting their course are some of the measures needed to rejuvenate them, renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh has said.

"For the rejuvenation of river, first, the land of the river (should be) only for river (not allowing any encroachments on riverside). Second, the environment flow needed to the river (should be protected)," he told PTI here.

The environment vis-a-vis the river should be protected, said Singh, a recipient of Ramon Magsaysay award.

The sewerage water, containing industrial effluents at some places, should not be released into the river, he said.

"Three, the sewer not meeting the river (not allowing sewerage to be released into the river)," he added.

The industrial effluents being released into the rivers, especially in case of the Ganges, is said to be one of the major reasons for the pollution of river water.

Singh, however, said there is no one common solution to rejuvenate the rivers in the country due to the difference in the nature of the problems associated with the rivers.

"The problem is not the same. The problem of Ganga is entirely different from Krishna river. The problem of Godavari is different," he said.

Singh, who is hailed as 'Waterman of India,' stressed on promoting awareness among people on protecting the rivers.