Pune: ‘Sairni River Rejuvenation’ Book Released at Baltic Water Conference

Pune, 28th August 2024: Sairni River Rejuvenation, a book on the Rejuvenation Project of the Sairni River in Rajasthan, written by Colonel Ghanshyam Ugale and published by TERRE Policy Centre (Pune), was released during the Baltic Water Conference aboard the Gabriela Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki.

The book was unveiled on August 26, 2024, by notable figures including Ashutosh Tiwari (Director General, IAAM, Sweden), Cher Ming Tan (University of California), Dr. R.K. Tiwari (Retd IAS, Chairman Policy and Governance, IIW Asia), Echo Ye (Executive Director, Asia Pacific Association, Head China), Dr. Rajendra Singh (Ramon Magsaysay Award winner & Waterman of India), and Dr. Vinitaa Apte (Founder, TERRE Policy Centre).

Dr. Vinitaa Apte remarked, “A few decades ago, even the mere mention of ‘Chambal’ evoked fear. The region was a desert plagued by water scarcity and poverty, ruled by bandits, making it dangerous to traverse even during the day. Tarun Bharat Sangh pledged to work on the rivers in Rajasthan. Rivers are the backbone of human civilizations, providing freshwater—a basic necessity for human life. We cannot live without water, and rivers are the largest freshwater bodies. In fact, all civilizations, past and present, were born near riverbanks. This book is a success story of river rejuvenation that conveys a hidden message about how the river transforms the lives of people and brings peace and prosperity to nearby villages.” She praised Colonel Ghanshyam Ugale for meticulously narrating the story with strong research.

Dr. Rajendra Singh, the architect of the project, added, “We drew up a plan for the Sairni River and its neighboring villages and commenced the actual work. This journey of rejuvenation started around 10-12 years ago and has now evolved into a mass public movement in the region. Thousands of people from hundreds of villages are now coming together to support the cause of water independence and sustainability through public participation.”

Scientists from around the world praised the efforts to document the River Rejuvenation project and extend its reach globally. The book was launched internationally and also presented to the world-famous Library of Helsinki.