Water conservationist Rajendra Singh inspects Thamirabarani River in Srivaikuntam, Thoothukudi, warning of severe deterioration and calling for immediate restoration efforts
Rajendra Singh Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Thamirabarani River
Renowned water conservationist Rajendra Singh stated that immediate steps must be taken to protect the Thamirabarani River. He made this statement after inspecting the river at Srivaikuntam in the district on Monday.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court appointed Mr. Singh, a water conservation expert from Rajasthan, to conduct a detailed study of the river. He is to suggest appropriate remedial measures. Following the court’s order, Mr. Singh inspected the banks and major points of the Thamirabarani in Tirunelveli district on Sunday. He also examined the riverbanks and anicut in Thoothukudi district on Monday.
During his visit, he assessed the pollution level in the river at Murappanadu, Srivaikuntam, Alwarthurunagari, Eral, Aathur, and Punnakayal.
Speaking to media persons, he said, “Thamirabarani has reached a deteriorated state, almost like a patient admitted in an ICU. If we fail to protect it with intensive care, Thamirabarani will die.”
He added that he was conducting a detailed survey on the river’s pollution as directed by the court. “I have interacted with people from different religious communities living along the banks of the river to understand their views. Protecting the river is a collective responsibility, and everyone has a role in its conservation,” he stated.
Mr. Singh pointed out that the river’s course and ecological flow had changed drastically over the past 80 years. He said the root cause was the failure to follow nature’s principles. “Whenever we act against nature, it responds in the form of massive disasters, leading to severe floods,” he explained.
He further observed that the major reasons for the floods were the alteration of the river’s natural course and failure to maintain it properly. “The river has every right to flow along its own natural path,” he added.
Mr. Singh emphasized that the Thamirabarani River had been severely impacted by pollution and urgently needed public support for its effective restoration.
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection | Monday | Srivaikuntam | Immediate steps needed to protect Thamirabarani River |
| Court Appointment | Not specified | Madurai Bench of Madras High Court | Rajendra Singh to study river and suggest measures |
| Pollution Assessment | Sunday and Monday | Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi | Visited multiple locations to assess pollution |
