“Protection and revival of rivers should become the people’s mandate for the next government at the Centre”, said water activist Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh who has now launched a campaign for “linking the mind of civil society with the rivers”.

He was speaking at a meeting with representatives of various NGOs regarding rejuvenation of rivers, hosted by Society for Voluntary Action, Revitalisation and Justice(SVARAJ) and Geological Society of India(GSI) in Bangalore on Saturday. Several geologists, environmentalists and water conservation activists discussed about a public movement for rejuvenation of rivers and water bodies in the state.

“Interlinking of rivers will not help in ridding India of floods and droughts. However, linking the hearts and brains of people with rivers will go a long way in this direction,” Mr Singh said.

Various Governments have been promising rejuvenation of rivers, and spent crores of rupees in its name, but with no result. Hence, a community-driven movement for conservation of water sources, in accordance with regional geo-cultural diversities is essential, he said.

“The year 2008 would be utilised for creating a public voice for protecting our rivers. Fourteen teams will travel on foot from Himalayas through banks of 14 small rivers that later unite as Ganga and Yamuna rivers, starting from January 2008. Similarly, we plan a padayatra from South. Stress will be on conversation with local people” he said.