Meet Simon Oran Who Battled Poverty & Built 3 Dams, Canal To Fight Water Crisis In Jharkhand

As global warming is taking a toll on the environment leading to tremendous water scarcity across India, people have decided not to rely on the government anymore to decide on a cure for the climatic crisis. People themselves have taken a step forward in doing whatever they can in conserving the earth’s resources.

One of such people is Padma Shri awardee Simon Oran whose story is somewhat similar to Dasrath Manjhi, popularly known as the ‘mountain man’ on whose life the film ‘Manjhi’ was made starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

To battle against the water crisis in Jharkhand, Simon Oran has built canals and three dams by drilling through mountains in Bero region. Sources revealed that he has been given the name ‘waterman’ for his efforts.

However, even though Oran is nationally lauded for his efforts to preserve water, he himself suffers from dire poverty. He lives in a thatched house which allegedly leaks during the rainy season. But owing to his resilience and self-dignity, he walks with pride despite his financial circumstances without asking the government or anybody else for money.

Reports reveal that the entire area surrounding where Oran lives is heavily dependent upon agriculture and thus, a large amount of water. Oran said that ever since 1961, villagers have been making efforts to conserve water.

Oran conducts several water-saving campaigns with the help of other villagers. He is also under debt after taking a loan to build a pond. His efforts paid off and a canal was built by carving mountains, leading to the construction of three other dams to fight the water crisis.

He is also the Parha Raja – chief of 51 villages, according to the tribal institutional provision which is also recognised by the state government. Hence, coming from a position of power, Oran easily motivates people towards his cause.

Even though Oran has gained massive respect for his environmental preservatory acts, his family struggles every day financially. We sincerely hope that the government takes notice of his situation and lend him a helping hand.