Frontline Conversations

Water is a universal language and water scarcity also has the same language: Nimal Raghavan


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Published on June 30, 2025.

Environmental activist Nimal Raghavan speaks to Frontline about his wide-ranging efforts to revive water bodies across India and in Kenya. Known for his data-driven, community-focused approach, Raghavan explains how he works with local administrations and government agencies to implement sustainable models of conservation. His work on over 250 projects emphasises the vital role of grassroots participation and policy-level collaboration.
In this interview, Raghavan delves into the complex task of securing financial support from private enterprises. He reflects on the organisational skills, transparency, and resilience required to align public interest with private funding. He talks about what it will take for India to achieve complete sustainability, while drawing parallels between different States.
Chapters:
0:00 – Meet Nimal Raghavan
01:51 – Cyclone Gaja’s impact
06:40 – Challenges in water projects
14:42 – India vs Kenya: water restoration
29:07 – Mega Foundations' work
Perfect for:
-Environmentalists and conservationists
-Students of environmental sciences
-Ecologists
-Urban and rural planners
-Journalists covering climate, environment, or rural development stories.
Credits:
Interview by Saatvika Radhakrishna
Camera by Mridula V and Kavya Pradeep M.
Produced by Kavya Pradeep M. and Saatvika Radhakrishna
Edited by Razal Pareed


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