{
  "id": 5246832,
  "title": "‘They call me crazy’: Why this 20-year-old is cleaning a polluted river himself",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/they-call-me-crazy-why-this-20-year-old-is-cleaning-a-polluted-river",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-03T04:37:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/bittu-tabahi-ajnar-polluted-river-clean-up-madhya-pradesh-10861186/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 20-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh, Bittu Tabahi, has been taking matters into his own hands to clean the heavily polluted Ajnar River. Instead of waiting for authorities or organized clean-up drives, Bittu has been removing plastic, discarded waste, and other trash from the river and public places, all while spending his own money on supplies for the clean-up. His efforts have been documented in a recent video, where he responds to accusations that he is doing it for viral fame. Despite the health risks and ridicule, Bittu continues his mission, determined to improve the river's condition. His actions have garnered attention from users and celebrities alike, with many praising his dedication to tackling water pollution.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "20-year-old Bittu Tabahi cleans Ajnar River himself.",
    "Removes plastic, waste, and trash from river and public areas.",
    "Continues mission despite health risks and ridicule."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Bittu Tabahi's solo clean-up effort shifts the narrative from public apathy to individual action, showing one person can make a difference in tackling pollution despite ridicule and health risks.",
  "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."
}