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Sadhguru’s Draft Policy for River Revitalisation: plant trees along river sides

Published

9 years ago

on

By Rashme Sehgal

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s recently concluded ‘Rally for Rivers’ is an attempt to come up with a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate our rivers. He criss-crossed across sixteen states in an attempt to build up a mass movement to help farmers and state governments get involved in tree plantation as being one key areas through which river rejuvenation can take place.

For the first time, he elaborates on the draft policy presented to the Ministry of Water Resources on what steps need to be taken for river revitalization.

Q. What does your draft policy on River Revitalization focus on?

A. The draft policy for river revitalization focuses on the health and life of the river as a living entity. It proposes tree plantation along the river sides as a means for “source augmentation”.

Q. What does source augmentation mean?

A. It means an overall increase in the actual quantum of water in the river.

Q. What does the policy of giving missed calls indicate and why was so much focus given on this? Was it an attempt to create a wider participation base?

A. If we aggressively implement this policy, it will take anywhere between 15-25 years to get a 15-20% rise in the river flows. This means four to five governments would have come and gone by the natural democratic process. How do we keep these five governments in the next twenty-five years focused on one policy? This is why the missed call. If a large part of the electorate votes for it, no government is going to ignore it. Not just this government, but whoever comes to power in the next twenty-five years. It will be in all of their minds that the entire nation wants this long-term policy for the well-being of our rivers.

Q. You have been quoted as suggesting we have 20,000 km of riverine land which can be used for river-based agriculture. Does this land include the flood plains of our rivers which are inviolate because this land is where our rivers are allowed to regenerate themselves and which are being violated by systematic encroachments?

A. The length of all major rivers put together makes up around 20,000 km. The land that we are proposing to implement the solution is laterally 1 km on either sides of the river. So if the solution were to be implemented for all the large rivers from their origin to the estuaries where they meet the seas it will be 40,000 sq km. The solution of transitioning from regular farming to tree-based agriculture is only in the privately owned farm lands. On government owned lands and the land that belongs to the river, appropriate native and endemic vegetation will be planted, ranging from trees, shrubs and grasses based on scientific studies. But to begin with, we are suggesting tree plantation at a 1 km distance to exhibit the results of the solution we propose, especially the effects of tree-based farming for farmers.

We are not asking for resettlement or removal of already existing villages or other establishments in this region. We are only suggesting a change in cultivation pattern in the target area from field crops to tree-based crops. This suggestion is based on observed improvement in our farmer’s income when shifted from field-based crops to tree-based crops. We at Isha have been working with a group of 1000 farmers, and some of them have transitioned to tree-based farming and realized better incomes. To begin with, we are suggesting that governments demonstrate this model initially in a continuous 100 km stretch to see its impact. Once this model has its impact on the river and farmers’ livelihood, it will have the acceptance and willingness of farmers and hence may expand organically in a few years’ time.

Planting trees on riversides have varied impact on the river and the soil in the area. Trees are known to improve inland rainfall by seeding the clouds from their evapotranspiration, pollen and other material, curtail soil erosion during floods, stabilize microclimate and improve the groundwater levels.

Q. What are the comprehensive steps you have outlined for river rejuvenation?

A. The overall solution proposed in the policy recommendation document submitted to the government contains details include developing tree cover by planting trees on a minimum of one kilometre width on either side of the river along the entire river’s length.

For government owned riverside lands and river banks, we recommend plantation of native and endemic trees along with appropriate native shrub land and wetland varieties. This plantation need not be restricted to the 1 km recommendation and can extend beyond these boundaries.

In the case of private land, planting of horticulture and multi-purpose tree plantation by farmers and other citizens is suggested. The width of agro-forestry in farm lands is suggested to be as many villages that fall on the minimum of one-kilometre lateral distance from the river, as a whole.

The policy recommendations we suggest are towards making these proposed solutions happen. They are broadly classified into specific aspects that are directly related to: revitalization of river flow; engaging and involving all the communities that will be affected by the policy changes; de-risking all the farmers who are the majority stakeholders in this project, in target areas when they transition from one type of farming to another; and coordinated institutional functioning of government ministries and departments.

In the detailed approach for implementation we detail how the proposed 1 km tree-based farming for farm land and afforestation of entire government land beside rivers can be implemented. The implementation plan details our economics of tree farming for farmers, the forward and backward linkages required to make the economics happen, the roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders – the farmers, industries, government and the larger nation as consumers of tree-based produce. Along with these the document also covers the scientific basis for the proposed solution.

Q. We have experts like physicist Prof Vikram Soni and water man Rajendra Singh and many others who have emphasised a policy to end encroachments on our river flood plains. Just doing this will allow rivers to regain their flow and allow them to rejuvenate themselves especially during the monsoon months. What do you feel about this?

A. We can suggest prospectively what can happen on the floodplains, but we cannot suggest retrospectively to evict existing settlements. Having the floodplains for rivers themselves would have been great, but the reality is, it is not the case. We have to work within the constraints of the existing land use pattern. We can have restrictive and prohibitive regulations for prospective use of the floodplains. For this to happen we need to first establish the boundaries of what land belongs to the river. Right now we don’t have such a mapping. Even if we were to find that some of the land that belongs to river is being used by farmers, we can only suggest changes in the farmer’s existing land use patterns to move from field crops to tree-based farming.

Q. River interlinking has not worked anywhere in the world? What do you feel about this especially since our government is going ahead with it?

A. Interlinking of rivers is based on the assumption that some river basins have “surplus” water supply while others have a “deficit”, and by linking them, water supply can be more evenly distributed. However, from our interaction with a few scientists, we got to know that paradigm of “surplus” and “deficit” basins is a limited understanding and does not take into consideration varying climatic conditions. For instance, it is observed that the monsoons have weakened since the 1950s in various parts of India and rainfall in parts of the country is now happening for fewer days and often in very intense spells. The “surplus” basins may, in fact, face water stress due to this variation in rainfall.

A few interlinking projects have already rolled out. It would be ideal if we evaluate the economic gains from these projects and weigh them against the loss of natural resource capital, before embarking on new projects. Any new proposal for interlinking must strictly be evaluated on the basis of scientific and environmental merit and long-term sustainability, rather than on the basis of emotions and politics. And while assessing potential benefits, in the context of our tropical climate, we should account for the resultant loss of water via evaporation and ground seepage. In India, rivers are mostly forest-fed; therefore, bringing back the tree cover on either sides of the river is the only long-term sustainable solution to address water scarcity and reduce the impact of floods and droughts.

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PM Modi’s Indonesia visit to boost defence, digital and strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indonesia visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties through new initiatives in defence, digital infrastructure, maritime security, trade and critical minerals.

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 6, 2026

By

PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Indonesia is expected to give fresh momentum to the growing strategic partnership between the two countries, with discussions likely to cover defence cooperation, maritime security, digital connectivity, trade, critical minerals and several other sectors.

India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said the relationship between New Delhi and Jakarta has entered a stronger phase following Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations last year. He said the Prime Minister’s visit is expected to further strengthen this trajectory through a series of new understandings and agreements.

Defence and maritime cooperation likely to receive major push

According to the ambassador, defence and maritime security will remain key pillars of the discussions during the visit.

He highlighted Indonesia’s strategic location along the Malacca Strait, describing secure sea lanes as vital for both countries and the wider Indo-Pacific region. He stressed that uninterrupted maritime connectivity remains essential for global trade and regional stability.

Without revealing specific details, Chakravorty indicated that the visit could produce significant outcomes in defence cooperation, saying several important announcements are expected.

‘BrahMos Plus’ hints at broader defence partnership

The ambassador also suggested that defence ties between India and Indonesia are moving beyond discussions centred on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Responding to a question about future cooperation, he remarked that the next phase would be “BrahMos Plus,” while refraining from providing further details.

He said future collaboration is expected to focus on defence manufacturing, technology partnerships, training and capacity building. India, he noted, has emerged as an important exporter of defence equipment and could support Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Military cooperation is also expanding, with India set to participate with troops for the first time in the multinational Garuda Shield military exercise after previously attending as an observer.

Digital connectivity and UPI integration gain momentum

Digital cooperation is expected to be another major highlight of the visit.

The ambassador said Indonesia is preparing to launch its Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)-inspired platform during Prime Minister Modi’s visit, making it the fastest international adopter of India’s digital public infrastructure model.

The initiative is expected to support nearly 65 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia by creating a more open digital commerce ecosystem.

Chakravorty also said discussions on integrating India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia’s payment systems have reached an advanced stage.

While technical integration remains complex due to Indonesia’s multiple payment-switch networks, he expressed confidence that progress would continue and the Prime Minister’s visit could accelerate the process.

Critical minerals and investment to feature prominently

Critical minerals are also expected to be a major area of cooperation as both countries look to strengthen supply chains for clean energy technologies and electric vehicle manufacturing.

Indonesia possesses significant reserves of nickel and other strategic minerals, while India is seeking reliable supplies to support its manufacturing ambitions.

The ambassador said India plans to invest in processing critical minerals within Indonesia rather than importing only raw materials. He added that such investments would support industrial development in both countries while contributing to India’s self-reliance goals.

Cultural ties to be highlighted

Apart from strategic and economic cooperation, the visit is also expected to showcase the longstanding cultural relationship between India and Indonesia.

Both countries will launch a 15-month programme commemorating Rabindranath Tagore’s 1927 visit to Indonesia, recognising his influence on the country’s educational and cultural landscape.

Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit Yogyakarta, a city known for its historic temples, reflecting the deep civilisational links shared by the two nations.

With cooperation expanding across defence, digital infrastructure, trade and critical minerals, the visit is expected to mark another important step in strengthening the India-Indonesia strategic partnership and advancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Ram Mandir Trust accepts Champat Rai’s resignation amid donation theft row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted Champat Rai’s resignation as General Secretary following the donation theft controversy, with Bajrang Bagra emerging as a leading contender for the post.

Published

4 hours ago

on

July 6, 2026

By

Champat Rai

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has accepted the resignation of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, following the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of cash donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

According to sources, Bajrang Bagra has emerged as one of the leading contenders for the post. Bagra currently serves as the International General Secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). A chartered accountant by profession and a former head of PSU NALCO, he is considered to have the administrative and financial expertise required as the Trust moves into its next phase.

Sources indicated that the Trust is looking to appoint someone with strong experience in governance, finance and institutional administration to strengthen its functioning.

Although Champat Rai has stepped down as General Secretary, sources said he is expected to continue as a trustee unless he decides otherwise.

Decision on successor may come after VHP executive meeting

The appointment of the next General Secretary is unlikely to be announced immediately. The VHP’s biannual national executive meeting is scheduled to take place in Delhi on July 19 and 20, where several organisational decisions, including transfers and appointments, are expected to be discussed.

Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reportedly took a firm stand on the alleged donation theft. Their resignations came after the Special Investigating Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary findings into the case.

Donation theft investigation

According to the preliminary investigation, temple staff responsible for counting cash donations allegedly siphoned off money despite CCTV cameras being installed at the counting centre. The report stated that the footage was not monitored regularly, allowing the alleged theft to continue. Reports suggest that around Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore may be missing.

So far, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case. Among them is Ram Shankar Yadav, also known as Tinnu Yadav, who worked as Champat Rai’s driver.

Sources said Champat Rai has told his close associates that Tinnu Yadav played the central role in the alleged fraud and misused the trust placed in him. According to the sources, Rai also claimed that when Yadav feared he would be caught, he leaked information to a Samajwadi Party leader.

The other accused arrested in the case are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra and Subhash Srivastava.

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WhatsApp gets more time to respond on username feature, rollout in India put on hold

WhatsApp has been granted more time to respond to the government’s concerns over its username feature and has assured that it will not launch the feature in India until discussions are completed.

Published

5 hours ago

on

July 6, 2026

By

WhatsApp

Meta assures the government that the feature will not be introduced in India until ongoing consultations are completed.

Meta-owned WhatsApp has been granted an extension to submit its response to the Centre regarding its proposed username feature, while assuring the government that it will not roll out the feature in India until discussions on the matter are concluded.

According to sources, the government has allowed WhatsApp three additional days to file its response after the company sought more time. The original deadline for the reply was Friday.

The proposed username feature would allow users to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers, a move that has raised concerns within the government over its potential impact on cyber safety.

Last week, the Centre issued a notice to Meta questioning the feature, expressing concerns that it could increase online fraud, phishing attempts, impersonation, and so-called “digital arrest” scams. The government also directed the company to pause the rollout until consultations are completed to its satisfaction.

Sources said representatives from Meta met officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday following the issuance of the notice. During the discussions, WhatsApp reportedly assured authorities that the feature would not be introduced in India before the consultation process is completed.

The government has also asked Meta to explain why action should not be initiated under the Information Technology Act and the relevant rules if the proposed feature is found to compromise user safety. It reminded the company that WhatsApp, as a significant social media intermediary, must comply with due diligence obligations under Indian law.

A WhatsApp spokesperson had earlier clarified that the username feature is not yet live and is expected to be introduced gradually later this year.

The company said it has built several safeguards into the feature to prevent impersonation. According to WhatsApp, usernames of public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts have been reserved so that they can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. It also said lookalike variations of such usernames are being restricted.

WhatsApp also clarified that users will still need a phone number to create and use a WhatsApp account. The username feature is intended only as an alternative way for people to connect.

The company added that users would need to know another person’s exact username before initiating contact. It also plans to limit how many new users an account can message, prevent repeated attempts to guess usernames, and use automated systems to detect impersonation and abusive behaviour.

To help users identify unfamiliar contacts, WhatsApp said it will display contextual information whenever someone sends a message through a username for the first time. Users will be informed whether the sender is a new account, an existing contact, someone who shares a mutual group, or a person located in another country before deciding whether to respond.

Following its notice to WhatsApp, the IT Ministry also issued notices to Telegram and Signal, seeking details on how their existing username-based systems address concerns related to fraud and impersonation. While WhatsApp has around 500 million users in India, Telegram has a significantly smaller user base.

In recent days, Meta and Telegram have also come under regulatory scrutiny on separate issues. The government recently issued a notice to Meta regarding child sexual abuse material appearing in Instagram advertisements, while Telegram was directed to strengthen action against the circulation of pirated films, OTT content, and other copyrighted audio-visual material on its platform.

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