Rajendra Singh

Indian water conservation pioneer reviving traditional rainwater harvesting systems

About Rajendra Singh

Rajendra Singh, often dubbed the “Waterman of India,” is a physician-turned-environmental activist who pioneered the revival of ancient rainwater harvesting techniques in Rajasthan. Since 2020, his organization Tarun Bharat Sangh has restored over 1,200 traditional johads (earthen check dams) across rural villages, transforming arid regions into fertile agricultural zones. His work combats desertification and ensures water security for millions in India’s drought-prone areas.

Singh’s approach blends traditional knowledge with modern sustainability principles. By mobilizing communities to rebuild johads, he increased groundwater levels by 60% in regions like Alwar district. His efforts also mitigated conflicts over water resources, earning him the 2022 Stockholm Water Prize. In 2023, Singh launched the Climate Resilience Initiative, training youth in climate-smart agriculture.

His advocacy inspired India’s National Jal Jeevan Mission, a ₹3.5 trillion ($43 billion) plan to provide safe drinking water to all households by 2024. Singh’s memoir, 《Rainwater Harvesting: A Blueprint for Survival》, is a key resource for environmental policymakers.