**Dr. Rajendra Singh: The Water Man of India**

Dr. Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the *“Water Man of India,”* is a renowned environmentalist and water conservationist whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of people across rural India. Through his dedication to reviving traditional water harvesting systems, he has demonstrated how community participation and respect for nature can solve even the most daunting environmental challenges. His life and work are a powerful example of sustainable development rooted in local knowledge.Dr. Rajendra Singh was born in 1959 in Dola village, Alwar district, Rajasthan. He initially trained as an Ayurvedic doctor, but his life took a different turn when he began working in rural areas and witnessed the severe water crisis faced by the villagers. Rajasthan, known for its arid climate, was grappling with dry rivers, falling groundwater levels, and widespread poverty. Instead of pursuing a career in traditional medicine, Dr. Singh decided to address what he considered the root cause of many problems – water scarcity.In 1985, Dr. Singh joined **Tarun Bharat Sangh (TBS)**, a non-governmental organization working for rural development in Rajasthan. During his early work, he realized that modern solutions like deep borewells and large dams were often expensive, unsustainable, and environmentally damaging. Villagers shared with him stories of traditional water harvesting structures such as *johads*, *baoris*, and *anicut*, which had once ensured water security in the region. Over time, these indigenous systems had been neglected due to changing policies and attitudes.

Dr. Singh began working with local communities to restore these traditional structures. The *johad*, a small earthen check dam built to collect rainwater, became a central focus of his work. What made his approach unique was his emphasis on **community participation**. The villagers contributed labor, materials, and decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. This participatory model proved highly effective.The results were remarkable. Over time, more than 10,000 johads (traditional rainwater harvesting structures) were built in Alwar district and surrounding areas. Groundwater levels rose significantly, wells that had been dry for decades began to refill, and agricultural productivity improved. One of the greatest achievements of Dr. Singh's work was the rejuvenation of several rivers, including the **Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsah, Bhagani, and Jahajwali** rivers, which had been declared "dead." This was a landmark achievement, demonstrating that rivers could be revived through decentralized, community-driven efforts.Beyond water conservation, Dr. Rajendra Singh's work also yielded broader social and economic benefits. Increased water availability reduced migration, improved food security, and strengthened local governance. The villagers collectively formed a river parliament (Arvari Sansad) to manage and conserve water resources, illustrating how environmental conservation can also foster democracy and social harmony.

Dr. Singh has also been a vocal critic of large-scale, centralized development projects that disregard ecological balance and local needs. He advocates for a development model that works *with* nature, not against it. According to him, water is not merely a resource but a shared heritage that must be collectively protected. His philosophy emphasizes self-reliance, sustainability, and respect for traditional knowledge.For his extraordinary contributions, Dr. Rajendra Singh has received numerous national and international awards. Most notably, he was awarded the **Stockholm Water Prize in 2015**, one of the world's most prestigious honors in the field of water conservation. He has also received the Ramon Magsaysay Award and many other accolades. Despite global recognition, he lives a simple life and remains deeply connected to his grassroots work. Dr. Rajendra Singh's life teaches us that real change doesn't always require advanced technology or massive investments. Instead, it requires understanding the local ecosystem, empowering communities, and reviving time-tested practices. At a time when the world is grappling with severe water scarcity and climate change, his work offers practical and hopeful solutions.In conclusion, Dr. Rajendra Singh is not just an environmentalist, but a visionary leader who has transformed the way water conservation is understood in India and around the world. His efforts have restored rivers, revitalized communities, and inspired countless individuals to take responsibility for protecting natural resources. The legacy of the "Waterman of India" reminds us that sustainable development begins at the grassroots level and that collective action can bring life back even in the most challenging environments.