Sun Jan 04 19:16:44 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewrite of the relevant portion as a news article:
Summary:
The e-paper edition of “The Hindu” published on January 5, 2026, includes various sections like world affairs from an Indian perspective, film reviews, technology news, science updates, data analysis, health advice, and book reviews. One particular article reports on water conservationist Rajendra Singh’s inspection of the Tamirabharani River in Tirunelveli, India. Singh, acting on a direction from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, assessed the river’s condition and highlighted issues of uncoordinated management, pollution from sewage and industrial expansion, encroachment, and corruption. He emphasized the need for a nodal officer, separate water systems, a river literacy movement, and collaborative action from the judiciary, legislature, and executive to restore the river.
News Article:
Renowned Water Conservationist Rajendra Singh Inspects Tamirabharani River, Calls for Urgent Action
Tirunelveli, India – January 5, 2026 – Following a directive from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, prominent water conservationist Rajendra Singh conducted an inspection of the Tamirabharani River in Tirunelveli on Sunday, January 4th. Accompanied by petitioner S. Kamaraj, alias Muthalankurichi Kamaraj, and other concerned citizens, Singh visited several critical locations along the riverbanks, including Perinba Vilas theatre, Chathiram Pudhukulam, Sindupoondurai, and Kurukkuthurai.
Speaking to the media after the inspection, Singh emphasized the urgent need for integrated river management. “We first need a nodal officer who takes responsibility for the river, including clean-up and related measures,” he stated, criticizing the currently disjointed efforts. He warned that temporary fixes would be insufficient and stressed the importance of preventing sewage and untreated water from entering the river, proposing separate systems for sewage and fresh water.
Singh highlighted the looming threats of population growth and industrial expansion exacerbating pollution levels. He further called for a comprehensive “river literacy movement” to educate and engage residents living along the Tamirabharani.
Identifying three major challenges hindering the river’s restoration, Singh cited encroachment, pollution, and corruption. He expressed optimism, however, noting that the Tamirabharani, unlike the complex Ganga, could be cleaned relatively easily if the judiciary, legislature, and executive collaborated effectively. Singh’s inspection and subsequent comments have ignited renewed focus on the preservation of the Tamirabharani and its crucial role in the region’s ecosystem.
First Piper 