Ravish Bhatija, in his mid 40s, is not a plumber by profession but has repaired over 200 taps in the city of Haridwar, driven by his spirit to conserve water. His eyes always search public drinking water facilities and wherever he finds a leaking tap, he repairs it. A sensitive person with the will to serve society, Bhatija is today a name associated with water conservation in Haridwar.

Initially, he used to get the leaking taps repaired but soon the method of changing washers and taps himself. Now, he inspires other youths in the localities to get the taps repaired too.

“Since childhood, I had heard a lot about water conservation. Due to my business engagements, I used to travel in interiors of city and often would notice water draining on roads. I started calling the plumber in that particular locality to get the leaking tap repaired. I got several taps repaired in Rodi Belwala next to police station, near railway station, Govindpuri and other localities. Now I myself know how to repair it and I often call the boys of the area, to learn how things are fixed,” he shared with The Pioneer.

When asked how he came to know about the problems in such locations which were inside narrow lanes, Bhatija said, “My phone number is shared on Facebook and other social media platforms. People call me when they see any public drinking water facility in a shambles. Yesterday, I got two taps repaired near Bhagat Singh Chowk.”

Sharing videos and factual information on the need for water conservation is also his pastime. He reasons why to wait for day zero when the city's taps dry out and people have to stand in line to collect quota of water. Many other big cities including the national Capital are likely to run out of groundwater by next year, according to India's policy making body, NITI Aayog's latest release. It is vital to act in time and not waste a single drop of water.