Rajendra Singh: Waterman of India- dedicated his life for water conservation efforts

Rajendra Singh: Waterman of India- dedicated his life for water conservation efforts

March 8, 2025

Rajendra Singh, also known as the "Waterman of India," is a renowned environmentalist and water conservationist who has dedicated his life to the restoration of water resources in rural Rajasthan, India. Born in a small village in Rajasthan, Singh gr Read more

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Rajendra Singh: Waterman of India- dedicated his life for water conser

Rajendra Singh, also known as the "Waterman of India," is a renowned environmentalist and water conservationist who has dedicated his life to the restoration of water resources in rural Rajasthan, India.

Born in a small village in Rajasthan, Singh grew up observing the harsh effects of drought and water scarcity on his community.

These experiences instilled in him a deep concern for the environment and a passion to find solutions to the water crisis.

After completing his education, he began working with local NGOs and grassroots organizations to implement sustainable water management techniques in his home state. 

One of Singh's most notable achievements is the successful revival of the river Ruparel in Rajasthan.

The Ruparel was once a major source of water for the area but had become severely depleted due to years of over-extraction and lack of proper management.

Singh and his team worked tirelessly to revive the river by rejuvenating traditional water harvesting systems, such as "johads" (traditional earthen dams) and "kunds" (water tanks) in the catchment area.

Through these efforts, they were able to increase the water table and revive the river, bringing new life to the surrounding communities.

Rajendra Singh has been known to advocate for using traditional and indigenous knowledge systems for water management, and one way he has been doing that was through tree plantation.

He and his team realized that, the overuse of natural resources and deforestation had led to the depletion of water resources in the region.

So, they began planting trees in the catchment areas of water sources, such as rivers and ponds, to increase the water-holding capacity of the soil.

This method is known as "afforestation," which involves planting trees in an area where there was previously no forest.

Singh's team mainly focused on planting native and drought-resistant tree species, such as the neem, ber, and khejri, which have deep roots that help to recharge the groundwater.

The plantation of trees not only helped to revive the river Ruparel, but also helped to improve the local ecosystem, increase biodiversity, and improve agricultural productivity.

The shade provided by the trees helped to reduce evaporation, which increased the water level in the nearby ponds and wells.

The tree plantation also had a positive impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The trees provided not only fuel and food but also medicinal and commercial values to the communities.

This helped to reduce poverty and improve their standard of living.

The impact of tree plantation on water resources is a clear example of how interconnected environmental issues are.

The planting of trees not only helped to conserve water, but also helped to improve the overall health and productivity of the ecosystem.

The work of Rajendra Singh and his team in the area of tree plantation is an excellent example of how traditional and sustainable methods can be used to address the pressing issues of our planet.


Singh's work has been recognized at the national and international level.

In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize, commonly known as the "Water Nobel" Prize, for his outstanding and innovative water conservation efforts.

He was also named as one of the "100 most influential people" by Time magazine in the same year.

Rajendra Singh's legacy is one of dedication and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

His tireless efforts to improve the lives of people living in the arid regions of India, through sustainable water management, have not only helped to ease the water scarcity in those areas but also serve as a model for water conservation efforts around the world.

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Rajendra Singh and Water Conservation

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No fancy tech, no billion-dollar projects—just ancient wisdom, community effort, and a passion for making every drop count.

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He made ‘water warrior’ a real job title, inspiring communities to reclaim their right to clean and plentiful water.

Rajendra Singh and Rajasthan’s Water Revival

In a land where water was a distant dream, he made it a reality—one revived well at a time.

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Droughts come and go, but thanks to him, communities now have the power to fight back with self-sustaining water sources.

Rajendra Singh and Rainwater Harvesting

Instead of waiting for rain gods, he taught villages how to catch and store every drop, making scarcity a thing of the past.

Rajendra Singh and Community-Driven Change

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Rajendra Singh and Global Water Advocacy

From Rajasthan to the world stage, he’s spreading the message that water conservation isn’t optional—it’s survival.

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FAQ

Who is Rajendra Singh?

Rajendra Singh is the Waterman of India, the man who made rivers flow again by fighting drought with wisdom and wells.

Why is Rajendra Singh called the Waterman of India?

Because he revived over seven rivers and proved that one man can turn dry dreams into flowing reality.

What inspired Rajendra Singh to start water conservation?

Watching villages suffer without water pushed him to trade medicine for mud, making water his true healing mission.

What methods did Rajendra Singh use for water conservation?

Traditional rainwater harvesting techniques like Johads – nature’s own way of storing every precious drop.

How many rivers has Rajendra Singh revived?

Over seven rivers, including Arvari and Ruparel, proving that rivers never really die – they just need a little love.

What challenges did Rajendra Singh face during his journey?

Skeptics, dry wells, and government red tape – but when the water flows, so does hope.

What impact has Rajendra Singh’s work had on Indian villages?

Thriving crops, recharged wells, and communities dancing to the sound of flowing water.

Has Rajendra Singh received any awards for his work?

Yes, including the Stockholm Water Prize – the Nobel Prize of water conservation.

How does Rajendra Singh inspire future environmentalists?

By showing that ancient wisdom and modern action can make deserts bloom again.

What is Rajendra Singh’s message for water conservation?

Every drop counts, every hand helps – water saved is life restored.

How can communities replicate Rajendra Singh’s water conservation methods?

By using rainwater harvesting, protecting local water bodies, and making water everyone’s business.

What legacy is Rajendra Singh creating for future generations?

A future where rivers flow freely, villages thrive, and every drop of water is treasured.

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