Warangal: Call to protect river Godavari
Warangal: River Godavari should be seen as a resource and not as an unending luxury, Rajendra Singh, water conservationist and environmentalist, said.
Addressing a meeting at Ambedkar Learning Centre at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal, on Tuesday, he expressed concern over the state of River Godavari. "It was appalling to see the severity of the pollution in the Godavari," Singh said, who hails from Alwar district in Rajasthan. Singh, who is also known as the 'waterman of India', was here as part of his Aviral Nirmal Godavari Saksharta Yatra.
Commenting on the extant water crisis in the 21st century, Rajender Singh stated that climate refugees from Asian countries are already forced to migrate to European countries to survive severe water distress. Talking about his journey of Aviral Nirmal Godavari Saksharta Yatra, he explained how this journey is also an endeavour to reawaken the respect, sanctity, hygiene and health of Godavari river.
He gave insights into the water conservation and lift irrigation. Cautioning about the impending water problem in India and around the world, he emphasised on the importance of initiating rainwater harvesting and hydro-conservation projects.
Stating that River Godavari is in intensive care unit, Singh said the only way out for water problem is by imparting and exercising water ethics, justice and peace through water literacy movement across stakeholders beginning from water conservation and its efficient use. He iterated that India needs community driven decentralised water management.
Devadula Project Chief Engineer Bangaraiah explained the necessity of lift irrigation. He also explained about the network of irrigation projects in Telangana along with stats through power point presentation.
Earlier, Director Prof NV Ramana Rao welcomed Singh and appraised him of the initiatives taken by the NIT Warangal towards water conservation. Registrar S Goverdhan Rao, Prof K Bangaraiah, faculty and students were among others present.