I had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Rajendra Singh, a renowned water conservationist often referred to as the Waterman of Rajasthan. He is one of the distinguished members of the National River Ganga Basin Authority (NRGBA), the apex body formed by the Government of India to oversee policies and programs for the rejuvenation of the Ganga. I met him during my visit to his NGO, Tarun Bharat Sangh, where I was undergoing training on the ecology of rivers, with a special focus on the Ganga.

Mr. Singh is widely celebrated for his pioneering work in reviving several rivers in Rajasthan through traditional water harvesting techniques, most notably the construction of small check dams called Johads. His grassroots approach has transformed arid regions, restored groundwater levels, and brought entire river systems back to life. Over the decades, his efforts have influenced water conservation projects across India and inspired policies on community-led river management.

During my time with him, I recorded two interviews. The first focused on his critical perspective on why the Ganga Action Plan, launched in the 1980s, turned out to be a complete failure. The second explored his thoughts on the ongoing work of the National River Ganga Basin Authority, where he emphasized the importance of genuine community involvement, scientific planning, and strong political will. It was a truly enriching experience, and I felt honored to document his insights on issues that are central to the future of India’s rivers.

Rajendra Singh talking about the complete failure of Ganga Action Plan-

2nd interview of Mr. Singh where he talks about the National River Ganga Basin Authority-