Odisha’s “Waterman” Advocates for Rivers Beyond Water

Ranjan Panda, a social ecologist known as the “Waterman of Odisha” in eastern India, emphasizes the need to view rivers as more than just water sources. For over three decades, Panda has worked with communities in Odisha to promote water conservation and climate advocacy, highlighting the often-overlooked, non-economic impacts of climate change on coastal populations.

He observes a disconnect between how rural and urban India perceive rivers, with rural communities maintaining a deeper, more familial connection while urban areas treat rivers as utilities. Panda’s work is particularly relevant given India’s limited freshwater resources, only 4% of the world’s total despite holding 18% of the global population, and increasing groundwater depletion.

He also points to the growing mental health challenges faced by communities impacted by climate change, a “slow onset disaster” often overlooked in disaster response. Panda champions a holistic approach to river management, urging policymakers to prioritize ecological health over concrete development and recognize the interconnectedness of rivers with broader ecosystems. He founded Youth4Water to further this work.