Jal Biradri plans padayatra to save rivers

Padayatra planned along the banks of the Arkavathy from the Nandi Hills

The organisation will choose a river in every State for padayatra

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Chapter of Jal Biradri, in association with Svaraj, Geological Society of India and other non-governmental organisations, will organise a padayatra along the banks of the Arkavathy, from the Nandi Hills to Mekedatu.

This plan was a result of a seminar on “Rejuvenation and revitalisation of rivers” by Svaraj (Society for Voluntary Action Revitalisation and Justice) held at Geological Society of India here on Saturday.

Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay Award winner, addressed social workers, panchayat members from rural Bangalore, social activists and representatives of government bodies on the occasion.

It was decided that the Karnataka chapter would start the padayatra on January 15 and join other members from across India at Wardha on January 25.

He said as part of “Lokadesh 2008”, 14 units of workers from various non-governmental organisations and members of Jal Biradri would undertake padayatra along the banks of 14 rivers.

This was aimed at raising awareness about issues related to river pollution. Local river protection committees would be formed along the way, he added.

“Considering that government policies have failed, we will initiate decentralised action at the community level. We will talk about soil erosion, water pollution, respecting geo-diversity of river banks,” Dr. Singh said.

Bharati Patel, director of Svaraj, and D.R. Patil from Jal Biradri, spoke at the meeting.

Farmers raised issues such as corruption in the government and lack of cooperation by the authorities. “We do not believe in rebellion, but if that is what it takes to save the rivers, we are ready,” Dr. Singh said.

The padayatra, which will start on January 7, will end in Uttarakashi.

Support

Jal Biradri under the leadership of Dr. Rajender Singh has been touring south India to mobilise support from the region. The organisation will choose a river in every State along the banks of which a padayatra will be launched in January.