BIG FM's 'Jal Andolan' campaign combats water wastage, distributes conserved water to drought-affected areas

It saw support from celebrities like Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Dutta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Mini Mathur, Alka Yagnik and Anuradha Podwal.

In response to the escalating global water crisis, BIG FM, one of India's radio networks, concluded its purpose-led initiative 'Jal Andolan - Desh Ne Thaani Not to Waste Paani', aimed to raise awareness about responsible water usage. Responding to soaring temperatures aggravating water shortages across major Indian cities this summer, the campaign garnered significant support from celebrities, government authorities, activists, communities and NGOs.

Through this campaign, BIG FM also rolled out the 'Jal Daan' initiative, encouraging individuals to curb their water usage. The collected water was then distributed across various locations in Delhi and NCR regions with the help of water tankers. In addition to on-air initiatives, the campaign featured on-ground activities such as cleaning nearby water bodies, conducting awareness programs at malls, holding discussions with experts in schools and colleges and organising painting, slogan writing competitions across all BIG FM stations.

The campaign drew the attention of the Jal Shakti Department, with Secretary Debashree Mukherjee IAS expressing her appreciation for the cause. Celebrities including Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Dutta, Raghuvir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Mini Mathur, Alka Yagnik and Anuradha Podwal supported the initiative by sharing how they are individually contributing to water conservation.

Activists like Rajendra Singh (The River Man of India), Sunanda Tai, Peepal Baba from the Give Me Trees Trust and Padma Shri Ganesh K. Mani showed their solidarity with the cause through audio and video messages. Additionally, listeners also shared their Jal Warrior stories on air by reaching out directly to BIG FM RJs or through their social media handles, detailing how they are saving water in their daily lives.

Sunil Kumaran, COO of BIG FM, shared his views on the campaign, stating, "The need for water is perpetual for all. As demand rises and the population grows, conserving not only water but all natural resources has become crucial. Through ‘Jal Andolan,’ we aimed to further emphasise the importance of mindful water consumption and thereby the needs for its conservation. I would like to extend my gratitude towards all the dignitaries who supported this initiative; their influence is vital in fostering a healthier environment for those without access to fresh water.”

‘Jal Andolan’ concluded in Delhi with ‘Jal Daan,’ encouraging people to save water by using a bucket instead of taking a shower, not washing their car and reusing RO wastewater for household chores. Approximately 50,000 litres of water was distributed to water-scarce areas in Delhi by BIG FM RJs - RJ Khurafati Nitin, RJ Akriti and RJ Yogi — with the support of Delhi Police, various listeners and communities.

afaqs! received this information in a press release.