SAVE INDIAN RIVERs

India has essentially grown along the banks of major rivers. Our ancient civilizations were born along the waters, and they perished when the rivers shifted course.

For many millennia, we maintained the sanctity of this relationship. But in the last few decades, due to the pressures of population and development, our perennial rivers are becoming seasonal.

• 25% of India is turning into desert.
• In 15 years, we may have only half the water we need for our survival.
• The Ganga is one of the most endangered rivers in the world.
• The Godavari was dry along much of its length last year.
• The Kaveri has lost 40% of its flow. Krishna and Narmada have lost around 60%

In every state, perennial rivers are either becoming seasonal or totally going dry. In Kerala – the Bharatpuzha, in Karnataka – the Kabini, in Tamil Nadu – the Kaveri, Palar and Vaigai, in Odisha – the Musal, in Madhya Pradesh – the Kshipra. Many smaller rivers have already vanished.

The Narmada, Krishna and Kaveri do not reach the sea four months of the year. Water levels in almost every major river have declined severely. If we do not act now to reverse the serious decline of these lifelines, the next generation will pay a very heavy price.

How can we save our Rivers?

One  core solution to stabilize and revitalize our rivers is  creating and maintaining tree cover for a minimum of one kilometer on either side of the entire river length and half a kilometer for tributaries. The benefits of tree planting have been indisputably demonstrated by Project GreenHands.

Native forest trees would be planted in government-owned land along riverbanks. Organic fruit tree cultivation would be taken up on private farmers’ lands.

This solution ensures that rivers are restored while also enhancing farmers’ livelihood by more than doubling their income in five years. The availability of fruit also improves nutritional intake among people.

Trees help keep rivers perennial, mitigate floods and drought, increase precipitation, mitigate climate change and prevent soil erosion.

How can I contribute now?

To Submit a policy recommendation for central government, peoples support is very vital. For a large environmental movement throughout the country like this, minimum of 10 crore votes are needed. You can pledge your support by giving a missed call to the below number……….80009 80009

When is this Rally is happening?

I usually do not go out to ask anyone to spread the word etc. but this is one cause that we need to spread the word about and spread it fast as it is critical for the survival of the nation.

To create awareness and momentum amongst all sections of society and the government, Isha Foundation is organizing a “Rally for Rivers” awareness campaign in consultation and collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.

This Rally For Rivers initiative is started by Sadhguru (Isha Foundation) to spread awareness about our situation so that we can take action sooner since later is just too Late. It is not a political movement or agitation. It is a movement to make us aware of what we are facing. There is a solution to this problem provided action is taken and we must all come together for our own future as well as our farmers and nation’s future.