Save Chennai’s water bodies from encroachment by demarcating its boundaries, says Water Man of India

Chennai:

Chennai’s water bodies could be saved from encroachment if the
government gives an identification mark for it and demarcates its
boundaries, according to ‘Waterman of India’ Rajendra Singh.



Speaking during the Rotary Club of Madras launch of water conservation
projects and postal cover and stamp here on Tuesday, Singh, who is
also a Ramon Magsaysay award winner, said that teh state could also
stop encroachment on water bodies by notifying it on the map.



“Since there is no record of water body, it is encroached by people,” he said.



He also said that Chennai requires water literacy movement to create
awareness among the people to conserve water.



Stating that the next World war would be fought for water, he hit out
privatisation of water resources. He also expressed concern over the
depletion of ground water resources.



The well s are drying up and acquifers are getting empty as there is
no recharge happening, he said.



He said that Tamil Nadu requires community driven decentralised water
management to solve its water conflicts.



Singh also stressed on the need to keep the rivers clean and expressed
concern over River Cooum being converted into a sewage. “Rivers are
lifeline. They should be kept clean. The children should be asked to
play a role in ensuring the rivers are kept clean,” he said.



Post Master General of Chennai City Region Merwin Alexander, who
released the special cover as well as ‘My stamp’ said that such
releases by postal department would help spread the message of water
conservation.



Rotary Club has lined up various events to spread awareness on water
conservation. These include providing rain water harvesting facilities
at school besides a mega event in Jawahar Lal stadium in January.