CHITRADURGA: Water conservationist and Magsaysay Award winner Dr Rajendra Singh has raised doubts over the success of “Rally for Rivers” movement undertaken by Sadguru Jagdish Vasudev of Isha Foundation. On Monday, Rajendra told Express: “Without having proper knowledge of the river science, he has started the movement, just to earn name and money, and there is nothing new in it.”
He said, rich and mighty people are supporting the movement which will not help in rejuvenating the rivers. “If you really want to rejuvenate the rivers, hold river congress, which I took up 35 years back and rejuvenated eight rivers, including Arvari, Ruparel, Sarsa, Bhagani and Jahajwali,” he added. He described the Rally for Rivers movement as unscientific.
He also advised the government to take strict action in preventing the river mining and encroachments so that water can flow easily leading to rejuvenation of the rivers. Dr Singh said that removal of encroachments on the flood plains of the rivers can produce wonders. He urged Sadguru Jagadish Vasudev not to make statements without learning river sciences properly.