Bittu Tabahi’s Solo River Clean-Up Drive
He single-handedly cleaned up the heavily polluted Ajnar River in Biaora
Synopsis
Surendra Singh Chaudhary, also known as “Bittu Tabahi,” has inspired significant municipal intervention in Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh, after taking the initiative to single-handedly clean a river.
Who Is Bittu Tabahi?
On January 26, 2026, the 21-year-old B.Sc. student began clearing the river alone, coinciding with Republic Day, armed with only a shovel and a stern determination, without any machinery or budget. His efforts, initially unnoticed, eventually went viral all-over social media after he shared the before-and-after images comparing the river’s improvement.
What Inspired Him?
Chaudhary explained that his motivation sparked during regular visits to a temple near the river, where he observed people avoiding the area due to the foul smell and garbage. Despite facing hazards such as limb infections and encounters with snakes, he continued his work with utmost dedication.
He said, “It’s the river that flows right through the middle of our town, Biaora; that is the river I am currently cleaning up”. Although he considered constructing a machine to aid the task, financial constraints prevented this, leading him to start manual cleaning instead.
He added, “I started alone; they (the municipal corporation) saw what I was doing and then offered their support.”
Steps Taken by the Municipal Corporation
Following Chaudhary’s initiative, the Biaora Municipal Corporation deployed JCB and Poclain excavators to remove accumulated waste and polythene from the river.
Rupesh Kumar Netam, a sub-engineer at the corporation, confirmed the authenticity of the viral photos and described the broader issue. He said, “The main issue is that five large drains discharge into the Biaora River; to stop this wastewater, we have prepared a proposal to construct an STP (Sewage Treatment Plant) costing approximately Rs 14.77 crore.”
The municipality also organises regular cleaning drives before the monsoon season. Netam said, “He started very well; we, along with the local citizens, contributed to cleaning the river. The municipality deployed a Poclain excavator to clear away the accumulated old waste and debris. Subsequently, the remaining waste was washed away by the flow of water during the monsoon season.”
What the UN Couldn't, a 21-Year-Old Did
Chaudhary has frequently addressed scepticism in his social media videos regarding the ability of one individual to effect change, stating that his work now serves as proof of the impact a single person can have.
The 21-year-old boy has done what the United Nations, Namami Gange and the Yamuna Action Plan failed to achieve over the years with massive budgets at hand. He has been approached by Dutch founder Boyan Slat, who offered him a job and a move to the Netherlands after his river-cleaning video went viral and inspired millions all over the world.