A 20-year-old young man from Madhya Pradesh is winning hearts and attention for taking on a massive task almost single-handedly — cleaning the heavily polluted Ajnar River.
Bittu, popularly known as Bittu Tabahi on social media, has been removing plastic, discarded waste, and other trash from the river and public places. Instead of waiting for government drives or large groups, he is doing the work himself and spending his own money on the necessary supplies.
Facing Criticism and Responding with Proof
In a recent video, Bittu addressed online users who accused him of cleaning the river only for the sake of going viral. He shared details of the effort, explaining that cleaning each ghat took more than three months of continuous work.
“You can see that other than making videos, I did get some work done,” he said in the video, showing the progress he has made.
He also referenced an earlier viral post by industrialist Anand Mahindra that had highlighted similar individual efforts.
Health Risks and Personal Sacrifice
The work has not been easy. In an earlier interview with The Indian Express in April, Bittu revealed that his hands got infected after repeated contact with polluted water and waste.
“I wanted to make a machine to clean the river, but I didn’t have the money. I am a student. So I thought, I will clean as much as I can with my own hands. I got infections. The skin on my hands and feet started coming off,” he shared.
Despite the pain and health issues, he continues returning to the river to remove garbage and stop more plastic from accumulating.
Facing Mockery
Bittu also spoke about the social reaction he faces. Many people make fun of him and call him crazy. Some even ask him to clean their drains and label him “naala saaf karne wala” (the drain cleaner).
“They make fun of me, call me crazy. Some of them tell me to clean their drains. Some call me ‘naala saaf karne wala’,” he said.
Public Support
The video has gone viral and received positive reactions from many users and celebrities. Actor Chitrangda Singh reacted with a folded-hands emoji. Influencer Mukta Singh wrote, “If we all decided to be like him what a beautiful country India would be!”
Another user commented, “Bittu getting very less support but im sure that one day the nation will honor this boy.”
Quick Facts: Bittu Tabahi Ajnar River Clean-Up 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Bittu (Bittu Tabahi / Surendra Singh Choudhry) |
| Age | 20 |
| Location | Madhya Pradesh (Ajnar River) |
| Work | Cleaning plastic and waste from the river using his own hands and money |
| Challenges | Skin infections, mockery, lack of resources |
| Time per Ghat | Over three months |
| Public Reaction | Mixed — mockery from some, strong support and appreciation from others |
| Date of Viral Surge | September 2026 |
Bittu’s quiet determination stands out in a time when environmental problems often feel too big for individuals to tackle. His story is a reminder that change can begin with one person willing to get their hands dirty — literally.
What do you think of Bittu’s effort? Would you support or join such clean-up drives? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 🌊🧹
