THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, April 22: On the occasion of World Earth Day, the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has launched a significant initiative titled ‘Revive the Rivers’ to restore the dying rivers and rivulets of the drought-prone Palamu region.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the alarming degradation of rivers, largely due to unchecked sand mining that has pushed many water bodies to the brink of extinction.
Recognizing rivers as vital lifelines for both agriculture and ecology, the campaign seeks to breathe new life into the region’s water systems.
Socio-Economic Impact and the Need for Urgency
A dry river, officials noted, not only threatens farming but also signals a broader economic decline—particularly in a region where agriculture supports the tribal population and sustains the state’s only tiger reserve.
The initiative emphasizes the urgent need to protect water resources to ensure the wellbeing of both local communities and wildlife, reinforcing the message that healthy rivers are essential for a sustainable future.
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Over the years, due to human-induced climate change, the water regime has deteriorated, directly affecting the socio-economic fabric of the tribals, who have traditionally survived on natural elements like water, soil and forest.
The time has arrived to unite in a mission to revive the rivers and rejuvenate Earth, to protect our present and future.
Six Pillars of the ‘Revive the Rivers’ Mission
There are salient features of the ‘Revive the Rivers’ mission.
First, to have a scientific study of all watersheds with the help of technical experts.
Two, capacity building of locals to harness their traditional knowledge-building a cadre of “water warriors “, the local youth who shall plan and execute the watershed mission.
Three, involving local schools as part of the solution. This ‘Revive the Rivers’ mission is to be made a household name.
Four, structural interventions to conserve water. Ridge to valley approach to save every drop of rain water.
Five, monitoring and evaluation, along with the massive awareness campaign under Jan Bhagidari.
Six, the mission targets to rejuvenate two major rivers: North Koel and Auranga; and more than 500 small rivulets and nalas in the next three years. It’s a gigantic task, but not impossible, said the Deputy Director, North Division of PTR, P K Jena.
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A Call for Social Revolution and Ecological Justice
Overall, the mission calls for a social revolution, garnering stakeholder support to revive the rivers, to reinstate the ecosystem services, on which the future of this tribal land and the prosperity of the Tiger reserve depend upon.
P K Jena is passionate about the rivers and the wildlife. He believes in the coexistence of man, wildlife and rivers.
Incidentally, rivers of the Palamu division are rain-fed rivers. Come rainy season and these rivers get into a spate. However, it becomes a sandy cricket ground for children of lesser gods in summer.
There is a patch of the river Koyel in the town of Daltonganj where the poor sleep on the sand at night.
Threats from Mining, Encroachment, and Pollution
Rivers here have their own challenges. Mining activities are a major threat. Burha Nadi is becoming perilous because of the rampant mining around it in Chhattisgarh.
Encroachments on the riverbank are a very common practice. The rich encroach. The poor don’t lag behind any more.
Again, the rivers are the cesspool of pollutants and waste effluents that pour in here. The town’s big drainages open up into the rivers.
Further, Palamu comes under a rain shadow region and as such, rains play truant here, like heavy rains for days and then a long dry spell of two to three weeks.
