India’s Water Crisis. Theory of Change with PK | Ft: Ramveer Tanwar | Pond Man of India

Why do Indian cities flood yet struggle for drinking water? Can restoring our disappearing ponds help address India’s water crisis? Ramveer Tanwar, the Pondman of India and founder of Say Earth, joins Paresh Kumar on Theory of Change with PK to discuss water scarcity, urban flooding, groundwater and what it takes to restore—and maintain—a pond. From leaving his corporate job to building a career in environmental restoration, Tanwar shares the experiences that shaped his journey. He also recalls how recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Mann Ki Baat brought attention to his work. The conversation explores: • How construction over ponds and natural drainage areas can leave cities vulnerable to flooding • Why rainwater harvesting needs regular maintenance • The risks of sending untreated wastewater underground • How pond restoration works, from baseline assessment to execution • Why community ownership needs practical incentives • How livelihoods, aquaculture and other activities can help fund maintenance • Why environmental work must become a viable career for young people One question runs through the episode: once a pond has been restored, who will keep it clean—and why? Watch this Hindi–English conversation on water conservation, pond restoration and the future of India’s water bodies. Subscribe to Clear Cut Magazine for more conversations on India’s social development and environment. #RamveerTanwar #WaterCrisis #PondmanOfIndia