College Student, 21, Has Spent Months Cleaning Up Local Trash-Filled River by Hand, Shares Jaw-Dropping Before-and-Afters

**Local Student Drives River Cleanup Initiative in Biaora, India**

In a remarkable grassroots effort, Surendra Singh Choudhry, a 21-year-old university student from Biaora, India, has taken it upon himself to clean the Ajnar River, which runs through his town. Since beginning the project in January, Choudhry has dedicated his free time to removing litter and waste from the river, making significant strides in improving the local environment.

Choudhry, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, started his cleanup venture on January 26, coinciding with India’s Republic Day, a national holiday. “I thought it was a good day to do something meaningful,” he explained in an interview. His determination to make a difference has led him to continue the project without interruption, focusing on the health and beauty of the river.

Equipped only with his hands, Choudhry has been collecting rubbish, including plastic bottles, weeds, and other debris, risking potential cuts and infections in the process. His hands-on approach has instilled a sense of personal responsibility in Choudhry, who seeks to create a cleaner environment for his community.

His efforts gained traction after he began documenting the transformation of the river on social media, sharing compelling before-and-after photos of the cleanup. Posting under the handle bittu-tabahi, Choudhry’s images quickly went viral, resonating with many and drawing attention from local authorities.

On September 4, his initiative caught the eye of the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav. Following a meeting with Choudhry, Yadav expressed his admiration for the student’s dedication on social media, noting that his initiative demonstrates how one person’s sincere effort can incite broader societal change.

The impact of Choudhry’s work has prompted the Biaora Municipal Council to step in and support his efforts. The council provided him with machines to assist in clearing the accumulated waste from the river, thus enhancing the sustainability of the cleanup process. Engineer Rupesh Kumar Netam, on behalf of the council, verified the authenticity of Choudhry’s photos and confirmed that they were not altered using any digital manipulation.

In addition to supporting Choudhry’s cleanup, the local council has initiated plans to construct a sewage treatment plant in the area, aimed at preventing wastewater from entering the river in the future. This development signifies a collaborative effort to address pollution in the river and improve local water quality.

Despite the support he has received, Choudhry remains committed to the project on a personal level. He emphasised his ongoing objective to beautify his hometown, stating, “My sole objective is to keep my hometown clean.” Furthermore, he has plans to extend his cleanup efforts to encompass other public spaces in the region, spreading awareness and encouraging others to take part in preserving the environment.

Choudhry’s inspiring dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community. His story highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives in addressing environmental issues and showcases the potential for young people to lead the charge towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. As he continues his work, Choudhry not only enhances the local scenery but also inspires others to take action in their own communities.