Surendra Singh Choudhary, a 20-year-old BSc student from Biaora in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district, has become an online sensation for his efforts to clean the Ajnar River.
Known as Bittu Tabahi on social media, he decided to take action after seeing the river heavily polluted with plastic, bottles, algae and other waste. Instead of waiting for a formal campaign, he began cleaning the river himself.
A Clean-Up Mission That Began on Republic Day
Bittu said he started his clean-up mission on January 26. A few friends initially joined him, but over time much of the work was carried out by Bittu himself.
He repeatedly entered the polluted water to remove plastic and other accumulated waste. He also worked on surrounding public spaces and installed dustbins as part of his efforts.
Before-and-After Videos Go Viral
Bittu documented his work on social media, sharing videos and images showing the condition of the river before and after his intervention.
His posts attracted widespread attention, particularly after he responded to people questioning whether he was doing anything beyond making videos. The footage showed the visible transformation of several stretches of the river.
Dutch Environmentalist Boyan Slat Extends Invitation
Bittu’s grassroots environmental work eventually reached an international audience.
Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of Dutch environmental organisation The Ocean Cleanup, took notice of his efforts and invited him to work with the organisation.
The offer has transformed what began as a personal clean-up effort in a Madhya Pradesh river into an opportunity with an internationally recognised environmental organisation.
Anand Mahindra Also Praised His Efforts
Bittu’s work had already attracted attention in India. Industrialist Anand Mahindra highlighted his efforts on social media, helping the story reach a much larger audience.
The recognition helped draw wider attention to both Bittu’s work and the condition of the Ajnar River.
The Effort Came With Personal Costs
Bittu’s clean-up campaign was not without risks. Reports say that repeated exposure to polluted water caused health problems, including infections and skin issues.
He and his friends also spent around Rs 30,000 on basic equipment and other requirements for the initiative, according to reports.
From a Local Initiative to Global Recognition
Bittu’s story has sparked a wider conversation about environmental responsibility and civic participation.
What started as one young student’s decision to clean a polluted river has now attracted attention from environmentalists and public figures far beyond his hometown.
The invitation from Boyan Slat marks a significant moment in Bittu’s journey and could give him an opportunity to take his environmental work to a much larger platform.
