Water conservationist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh was conferred with Basavasri award instituted by Panchamasali Mahapeeth of Kudalasangama on Sunday.

Rajendra Singh from Alwar district in Rajasthan is acclaimed for his pioneering work in community-based efforts in water harvesting and water management. He was feted with the award carries a purse of Rs 25,000 and a gold plaque at the second ‘Basava Sankranti’ programme organised at Kudalasangama.

Receiving the award Rajendra Singh demanded that the Karnataka government implement a new river policy with the aim of protecting its rivers and water bodies from pollution by the mining lobby and industries.

The nation’s water woes can be resolved only when rainwater is conserved and traditional water conservation practices are revived, said the waterman of India. He later interacted with farmers.