Rajendra Singh Advocates for Ancient Indian Values in Modern Environmental Conservation
Rajendra Singh, the renowned Magsaysay Award-winning environmentalist celebrated globally as the 'Waterman of India', has recently shared his profound insights on conservation and climate resilience. During an exclusive interview with Dhrubajyoti Malakar in Ranchi, Singh articulated his vision for a sustainable future rooted in traditional wisdom.
Development vs. Environment: A Critical Perspective
Addressing the ongoing debates between infrastructure development and environmental protection, Singh expressed deep concern. "Development projects today lack the integration of nature and culture, a practice that was deeply embedded in ancient India," he stated. He lamented that over the years, society has lost respect for both culture and nature, leading to environmental destruction in the name of progress.
"Everywhere, this so-called development is giving rise to disaster and displacement issues," Singh emphasized. He urged India to shift its focus back to age-old values that foster faith and respect for nature and culture, arguing that this is essential for achieving truly sustainable development.
The Paradox of River Worship and Pollution
When questioned about the contradiction of worshipping water bodies while polluting rivers, Singh linked it directly to the erosion of love and respect for nature. "India's traditional knowledge taught us to consider rivers as our saviours, and people once revered water bodies," he explained. "Today, we worship rivers but use them as waste-dumping yards. If we want to rejuvenate the rivers, we have to change our attitude."
Rivers as Climate Change Combatants
Singh highlighted the crucial role of rivers in combating climate change, a topic he has championed for five decades. "For the last 50 years, I have been reiterating that river, soil, and greenery are inseparable from each other," he said. He described how flowing rivers nourish the soil and revitalize green cover, which in turn reduces toxic gases in the atmosphere, improves living conditions, and helps curb global warming and other environmental issues.
Challenges in Curbing Pollution in India
Discussing the obstacles to pollution control, Singh pointed to rapid industrialization as a major challenge. "Our country has shifted from a people-driven democracy to a corporate-driven democracy in recent times," he observed. He criticized the current focus on economic infrastructure development and profits at the expense of environmental health, calling for a more balanced approach.
Through his words, Rajendra Singh underscores the urgent need to revive India's traditional ecological knowledge to address contemporary environmental crises effectively.
