{
  "id": 15337729,
  "title": "Bittu Tabahi cleaned river for 8 months, found it dirty again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/bittu-tabahi-cleaned-river-for-8-months-found-it-dirty-again",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-18T02:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/people/never-thought-my-8-months-of-hard-work-would-go-to-waste-bittu-tabahi-cleaned-a-river-for-months-only-to-find-it-dirty-again/articleshow/135020060.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Surendra Singh Choudhary, also known as Bittu Tabahi, dedicated eight months to cleaning the Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh. The young activist removed substantial amounts of garbage from the waterway, often working alone and using minimal equipment, including his bare hands and plastic gloves. His efforts were met with some severe skin infections, but they also resulted in a marked improvement in the river's appearance. However, upon returning to the river, Bittu discovered it had once again become a dumping ground for plastic bags and other waste. He expressed his disappointment in a video shared on social media, stating, \"I never imagined that eight months of my hard work would go to waste like this.\" Despite his discouragement, Bittu chose to resume his cleanup efforts, appealing to online viewers for solutions to address the larger issue of waste disposal. His determination and subsequent journey have garnered international attention, with endorsements from figures such as Anand Mahindra and Boyan Slat. Bittu's work has expanded beyond Madhya Pradesh, involving cleanup missions in various regions, including Bengaluru. While his individual efforts alone cannot permanently solve the problem, they have raised awareness and encouraged others to participate in river cleanup drives.",
  "summary": "Bittu Tabahi, an unwavering environmental activist, invested eight months revitalizing the Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh. Although the river showcased remarkable recovery, it soon fell victim to pollution again. Calling for public engagement in waste management, Bittu's dedication resonated globally, even attracting a job offer from The Ocean Cleanup. His journey highlights the importance of both…",
  "key_points": [
    "Bittu Tabahi cleaned Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh for 8 months",
    "River became dirty again after his efforts, despite improvements",
    "Tabahi resumed cleanup, seeking solutions to waste disposal issue"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}