Linking of rivers is nothing but commercialisation and privatization of water: Dr Rajendra Singh

Hyderabad: Water Man of India and environmentalist Dr Rajendra Singh opposed the Central Government’s linking of rivers, saying it would lead to financial, ecological and cultural crisis between the States.

“This is nothing but commercialisation and privatization of water. It would benefit only corporate giants,” said Rajendra Singh here on Tuesday.

Linking of rivers was centralized management but the need of the hour was decentralized management of rivers through community driven initiatives, he said.

On the Central Government’s financial allocation to linking of rivers in the Union Budget, he reminded the Centre about the farmers agitation against farm laws.

“I am against linking of rivers and will definitely oppose it in Gandhian way without any violence,” said Rajendra Singh.

He appreciated Telangana Government for supplying River Godavari water to many places in the State for agricultural and drinking requirements, he said, adding though there was plenty of water in the State, it was being used judiciously.

Complimenting Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao for constructing Kaleshwaram project and Mission Kakatiya works, he appealed to the Chief Minister to set up a water university to educate people on water management.

Earlier in the day, he visited Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and appreciated the Telangana Government for constructing a beautiful temple. The good thing about this temple was there are three water bodies downhill and they were all full to the brim, he said.

Dr. Singh was in the city to brief about the national convention on rivers to be held in Hyderabad on February 26 and 27. The convention is being organised to formulate action plans for addressing issues contributing to the fast degradation of watersheds, he explained.

He said a draft on River Manifesto was prepared by experts from different sections of the society and a final manifesto would be prepared during the convention.

Telangana Water Resources Development Corporation Chairman V Prakash Rao said 200 experts were invited to participate in the convention. There would be participants from NGOs, Government’s and society, he said.

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