As Influencers Cash In, the Son River Dries Out: A Cry for Environmental Responsibility

 Umaria, Madhya Pradesh

Once a vibrant and flowing lifeline, the Son River today lies barren and forgotten. Originating from the sacred grounds of Amarkantak, this river once defined the cultural and spiritual identity of the region. But its current state evokes sadness and alarm — a river gasping for life amidst greed and neglect.

Once a Lifeline, Now a Fading Stream

There was a time when the banks of the Son River echoed with the laughter of children, the rhythm of women washing clothes, and the quiet presence of cattle quenching their thirst. It was an inseparable part of daily life in the villages it nurtured.
Today, that very river lies dry and defeated, a victim of unchecked sand mining and administrative negligence.

Mining Department's Silence Raises Eyebrows

Despite continuous reports of the river drying up, the Mining Department has maintained a concerning silence. Farhat Jahan, the department's head, has been informed — yet no decisive action has been taken to protect or revive this natural asset.

Sand Companies Profit, River Pays the Price

The exploitation of the Son River for sand has been extremely profitable for several companies, with one in particular — "Mahakaal" — allegedly distributing monthly payouts to select local individuals. These "influencers" include members of panchayats, environmental staff, and certain well-connected intermediaries.

Who Gets How Much — And Why?

Insider sources reveal that the payouts vary dramatically: some receive ₹2,000 a month, others up to ₹1 lakh. However, not a single rupee from these earnings is reinvested into the river. All the money goes towards personal indulgence.

Entertainment at the Cost of Ecology

The funds, sources say, often end up funding evening entertainment. Ironically, the very river that enables these earnings is left to deteriorate — unnoticed and uncared for.

Government Schemes Exist, But Execution Falters

The state has initiated programs like the Chief Minister's River Rejuvenation Scheme and Jal Jeevan Mission, but without genuine support and accountability at the local level, these schemes remain ineffective on the ground.

Reviving the Son River Is Still Possible

If just half the amount currently distributed among influencers was diverted into a “Son River Care Fund,” the situation could drastically improve. The funds could support cleanup drives, water level restoration, and public awareness campaigns.

What Needs to Be Done?

  • Conduct an independent audit of all payouts from sand companies.

  • Make contributions to river care mandatory for all beneficiaries.

  • Establish a monitoring committee comprising environmental experts and elected representatives.

  • Link all such initiatives directly with existing government schemes for impact.

It’s Time for Compassion and Responsibility

Those who benefit directly or indirectly from the Son River must now come forward with a sense of responsibility. With collective effort and a little empathy, the Son River can once again flow freely — not just as a memory, but as a living legacy for future generations.

Let’s not wait until the river becomes just a story from the past. Let it live, let it flow — for all of us.


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