Rajendra Singh visits Erra Matti Dibbalu, Mudasarlova and Bheemunipatnam, decries destruction of environment

Noted environmentalist Rajendra Singh, popularly known as ‘Waterman of India’, has expressed concern at the encroachment of water bodies, national heritage sites and protection of hills and coastal areas. Mr. Rajendra Singh, who is also chairman of People’s World Commission on Drought and Flood, came on a one-day visit to the city on Thursday, to get first-hand information on the alleged destruction of the Erra Matti Dibbalu on the Visakhapatnam-Bheemunipatnam Beach Road, the dumping of wastes into the catchment area of Mudasarlova and encroachment of a tank near Bheemunipatnam. Referring to Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan being given the portfolios of Environment, Forests and Science and Technology, he said, “I see some ray of hope that he will prevent destruction of the environment in the name of development as Mr. Pawan Kalyan is strongly committed to the cause, which I had seen during my association with him in the past.” Jal Biradari national convener Bolisetty Satyanarayana explained about the struggles undertaken by Mr. Rajendra Singh for the conservation of heritage, trees and natural formations during the last five decades. Indian National Trust for Art, Culture and Heritage Member Rani Sarma said that there were innumerable Buddhist heritage sites from Srikakulam to Amaravati, which need to be protected and promoted.