National Conference on Mountain and River Conservation Begins in Jamshedpur

‘Waterman’ Rajendra Singh Warns: “Without Mountains, Rivers Will Disappear”

Jamshedpur: A two-day national conference on mountain and river conservation commenced on Friday at the auditorium of Motilal Nehru Public School in Jamshedpur, bringing together environmentalists, water experts, social activists, and intellectuals from across the country to deliberate on the urgent need for ecological preservation and sustainable environmental policies.

The conference is being organized on the initiative of Saryu Roy, who declared during the inaugural session that “mountains are India’s primary infrastructure,” stressing that the nation’s ecological and hydrological security depends heavily on the protection of mountain ecosystems.

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Retired Chief Justice V. Gopal Gowda attended the conference as the chief guest, while noted water conservationist Rajendra Singh, popularly known as the “Waterman of India,” delivered the keynote address.

Addressing the gathering, Rajendra Singh said that mountains and rivers form the foundation of India’s civilization, culture, and way of life. He warned that if mountains are not protected, rivers would eventually disappear, leading to severe water scarcity and ecological imbalance for future generations. He emphasized that environmental conservation is not merely the responsibility of governments, but a collective duty of society as a whole.

Detailed discussions during the conference focused on issues related to mountain degradation, river conservation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological sustainability. Experts deliberated on the proposed “Mountain Conservation Framework” aimed at creating a long-term strategy for preserving mountain ecosystems across the country.

Speakers highlighted that mountains are not merely geographical formations but are vital for water continuity, ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, agricultural sustainability, and disaster resilience. They also discussed a proposed constitutional framework titled the “Indian Mountain Continuity and Protection Act, 2026,” intended to provide legal protection specifically for mountain regions.

Participants pointed out that while India has several laws related to forests, wildlife, mining, and environmental protection, there is currently no dedicated constitutional mechanism for safeguarding mountains. The conference strongly advocated the need for a national-level policy discourse on mountain conservation.

Several speakers noted that mountains preserve the country’s cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and hydrological wisdom. They warned that unchecked destruction of mountains contributes to floods, landslides, groundwater depletion, and climate-related disasters, directly affecting the nation’s economy and security.

The conference also emphasized the need for extensive public awareness campaigns to promote environmental protection and sustainable development. Over the next two days, experts from various fields will continue discussions on strategies for conserving rivers, mountains, and the broader environment.