Board of directors of the Waterkeeper Alliance, a US-based organisation working on water issues across the world, has recognised Water Initiative Odisha (WIO) convener Ranjan Panda as Mahanadi River Waterkeeper. With this, Panda would be able to get support of over 200 Waterkeepers worldwide.
Panda, the latest Waterkeeper in this global network, would work towards protection and preservation of river Mahanadi. “Waterkeeper Alliance is thrilled to have Ranjan Panda to be the eyes, ears, and voice for this vital watershed,” said Waterkeeper Alliance president Robert F Kennedy Jr, adding, “The theft of our public waters by polluters is not acceptable, and Panda is the right leader to fight for clean water in the region.”
As the convener of the WIO, a two-decade-old active network, Panda will now add strength to advocate for the Mahanadi and her tributaries protecting and restoring water quality through community action and enforcement. “We will work to improve ecological health of the Mahanadi,” said Panda.
Panda is a leading voice of the Mahanadi and other rivers of the State and is popularly known as Water Man of Odisha. He is coordinating the movements to protect river water in the State.