Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8 -- For many, a river is a lifeline; for others, it has quietly become a convenient dumping ground. Across India, plastic, household waste and other rubbish routinely find their way into rivers and streams, while the responsibility of keeping these natural resources clean is often overlooked. Amid this indifference, 21-year-old Bittu Tabahi decided to step in.

Related Story: Viral Hero: 20-year-old from MP cleans polluted river alone, internet applauds his grit; watch

Surendra Singh Choudhary, popularly known as Bittu Tabahi, began cleaning the polluted Ajnar River in Biaora, Madhya Pradesh, on January 26, 2026. What started as an individual initiative soon attracted widespread attention after videos and before-and-a...