In a powerful call to action, Rajshree Chaudhary, the great-grand niece of the legendary freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has raised a grave alarm over the deteriorating condition of the historically significant Tungabhadra River. She inaugurated the third phase of a major public awareness foot march, expressing deep concern that the river is under severe threat from pollution.
A Sacred River in Peril
Speaking at the Prasanna Pampapati Temple in Hirejantakal, Gangavathi, on Saturday, Chaudhary linked the river's fate to the region's rich cultural heritage. She expressed hope that this Jal Yajna (water ritual) from the land of Hanuman would become a model for the entire nation. She wished for the Kishkinda region, associated with the Ramayana, to embody the will of Hanuman and set an example in protecting rivers.
Chaudhary explained the critical role rivers play in sustaining the environment and issued a stark warning about plastic pollution. She stated that the excessive use of plastic could lead to a situation where the entire human race faces peril.
Alarming Statistics and Expert Warnings
The event saw strong support from other environmental advocates. Basavaraj Veerapur, convener of the Rashtriya Swabhimani Andolan in Delhi, presented shocking data on India's vanishing water bodies. He revealed that from over 15,800 rivers in the country historically, more than 6,000 have disappeared over time due to various reasons.
Focusing on the Tungabhadra, Veerapur expressed serious concern, labeling its condition as "very dangerous." He bolstered his warning with a dire assessment from experts: the water of the Tungabhadra River is reportedly not even fit for drinking.
A March for Change
The foot march, organized under the Clean Tungabhadra Movement's public and water awareness campaign, has drawn participation from a wide array of dignitaries. Attendees included former Koppal MPs K Virupakshappa and S Sivaramagowda, former MLA Paranna Munavalli, padayatra ambassador Lalitharani Srirangadevaralayalu, and Dayananda Swamiji of Hampi Gayatri Peetha, among others.
This determined campaign is set to cover significant ground. The march will traverse 9 taluks across the districts of Koppal, Ballari, and Raichur. The journey is scheduled to conclude on January 4 in Mantralaya, marking a sustained effort to rally communities for the river's cause.
The movement underscores a growing national urgency to address river pollution and water security, using the plight of the Tungabhadra as a focal point to inspire broader environmental stewardship.
