Even away from the high-profile events to mark World Environment Day, Jharkhand’s ‘Waterman’ Simon Oraon had nothing but protecting environment on his mind.
Talking to The Pioneer from his village Khaksi Toli, located 35 km from Ranchi, the Padma Shri awardee called water conservation and afforestation the need of the hour. The farm pond (dobha) construction scheme floated by Jharkhand Government also received his praise for similar reasons.
“There should be one farm pond at a distance of 100 feet to 150 feet as these are helpful in holding rainwater. Even if rainfall is scarce this year too, rainwater gathered in the farm ponds will be a great help in planting the next paddy crop,” Oraon said.
He also stressed on making check dams on all rivers of Jharkhand at certain regular intervals in order to prevent their water from flowing out of the State. Concerned about the decreasing green cover, Oraon called for extensive plantation drive, conforming to the occasion of World Environment Day, and equally intense measures to protect forests.
“Several industries are being promoted and established, but forests are being forgotten in the process. Everyone should plant several trees during their lifetime; vacant spaces could be used for this purpose,” he said.
Oraon further added, “Protecting forests has mostly taken the backseat, despite all efforts made by the Government to ensure this goal. But now, with strong governance at village level, this task can be taken by functionaries of rural government. Mukhiyas, Panchayat Samiti and Ward Council members can be handed this responsibility.”
Sacrificing cultivable land to make way for progress will be devastating for future generations, Oraon cautioned. “The price of food items has gone up and this growth will continue until we stop destroying cultivable land,” he said.