The Ajnar River, which previously repulsed passersby due to its smell and filth, now serves as an example of perseverance and determination. This was due to the intervention of Surendra Singh Chaudhary, a 21-year-old undergraduate student in natural sciences, known on social media as 'Bittu Tabahi.'
Surendra had neither a large budget, nor a team, nor the necessary equipment. He started acting by taking up only a shovel and began cleaning. This initiative, which began on the occasion of Republic Day, became a role model among residents. The 'before and after' photos of the river's cleanup, taken by Surendra, went viral on social media, and even municipal employees confirmed the authenticity of these pictures.
Surendra often visited the temple located near the river. During these walks, he noticed how people kept away from the river because of the unpleasant odor and the accumulation of trash around it. It was then that he had the idea to clean the river.
He said that he initially intended to create a trash removal machine, but due to lack of funding, he decided that instead of waiting, he would handle the cleanup himself.
Despite the lack of specialized equipment, cleaning the river was not an easy task. During his work, he faced problems such as infections on his hands and feet, as well as encounters with snakes. Nevertheless, he did not stop his work. His constant efforts attracted the attention of the Byawara municipal corporation, which subsequently provided assistance in the form of excavators and bulldozers to remove old garbage, polyethylene, and construction debris from the river.
According to Rupesh Kumar Netam, a municipal sub-engineer, water from five major canals is discharged into the river, which is the cause of the smell and pollution. A project has been prepared for the construction of a sewage treatment plant with an estimated cost of about 14.77 crore rupees.
Surendra's story demonstrates how one individual can start a movement that gradually attracts people. The campaign, started with one shovel, showed the entire city that change does not always require a crowd. The work that Surendra began alone forced both residents and the municipality to pay attention to the problem. Although the complete cleanup of the river will take time, the 'Bittu Tabahi' mission proved that a small initial initiative is enough for significant change.