Dr. Rajender Singh
Indian environmentalist and founder of Tarun Bharat Sangh, reviving rivers through rainwater harvesting.
Reviving Dying Rivers
Dr. Rajender Singh, born in 1954 in Rajasthan, India, is a pioneering environmentalist and founder of Tarun Bharat Sangh. His work has revived over 1,000 dried-up rivers and restored greenery to arid regions of India. In the 1980s, Singh abandoned a medical career to address water scarcity in his native Alwar district. He pioneered rainwater harvesting techniques, constructing check dams and reviving traditional water conservation practices. By 2000, his efforts had transformed barren lands into fertile areas, increasing groundwater levels by 15 meters in some regions.
Community-Led Sustainability
Singh’s approach emphasizes grassroots participation. Villagers are trained to build and maintain water structures, fostering ownership and sustainability. This model has created 100+ new lakes and restored 500+ villages’ water supplies. His initiative also combated desertification, reversing soil degradation across 10,000+ hectares. The Greenpeace and UNEP have cited his work as a blueprint for community-driven environmental restoration.
Award Recognition
In 2015, Singh received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, and the Right Livelihood Award ("Alternative Nobel Prize") in 2016. His TED Talk 'The Waterman of India' has over 2 million views, spreading awareness about water conservation globally. Singh’s methods are now replicated in Africa and the Middle East, addressing water scarcity in drought-prone regions.
Legacy and Challenges
Despite success, Singh faces opposition from industries polluting water sources. He advocates for strict environmental policies and has lobbied against projects like sand mining. His memoir, Rainwater Harvesting: A Handbook for Villagers, remains a guide for communities worldwide. Singh’s work underscores the power of local action in combating climate change, proving that sustainable solutions can thrive without relying on external aid.