Simon Oraon Minj
Simon Oraon Minj
Born: 1961
Hariharpur Jamtoli, Tola – Khakhsi Toli, P.O. +P.S. – Bero
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Padma Shri: 2016
About
Simon Oraon Minj, widely known among his villagers as the “Waterman of Jharkhand” or “Simon Baba,” was conferred the Padma Shri in 2016. This prestigious honour, presented by President Pranab Mukherjee, recognised his remarkable contributions to environmental conservation and rural development, particularly his efforts to combat drought and improve irrigation infrastructure in Jharkhand.
Education
Simon Oraon Minj’s formal education was limited to class IV. Despite the absence of advanced schooling, his deep understanding of his community’s environmental challenges and his practical knowledge of water management solutions have made a lasting impact.
Hardships Faced
Growing up in Khaksi Toli village in Bero Block, approximately 35 kilometers from Ranchi, Oraon witnessed firsthand the severe agricultural hardships faced by his community. The village relied solely on monsoon rains for irrigation, leading to poor farming yields and economic distress. Early on, he identified the need for a reliable water source to address the drought-like conditions that plagued the region. His initial attempts at constructing a reservoir in 1961, along with fellow villagers, were met with failure. Undeterred, he persisted, and after multiple attempts, a third dam built with the support of local authorities finally succeeded, marking the beginning of his transformative work.
Contributions that Brought About the Change
Simon Oraon Minj’s most notable contribution lies in his relentless pursuit of water conservation and sustainable agriculture. The success of his first dam inspired further initiatives, leading to the construction of five check dams across the region, including Deshbali and Jharia, as well as several ponds in neighboring villages such as Hariharpur, Jamtoli, Khaksitoli, Baitoli, and Bhasnanda. These efforts resulted in the irrigation of over 2,000 acres of land, enabling farmers to cultivate three crops annually and yielding approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of vegetables yearly.
In addition to water conservation, Oraon championed environmental protection through afforestation. Elected as the Parha Raja (Chief of the tribe) in 1964, he launched a social forestry programme on his ancestral property, planting 1,000 trees annually to prevent soil erosion and preserve water resources. He formed a 25-member village committee representing neighboring villages to oversee the forestry drive and ensure sustainable practices.
Furthermore, he led a people’s movement against deforestation and illegal logging, empowering local communities to safeguard their forests. His grassroots activism extended beyond environmental causes; he also played a crucial role in uniting villagers to address socioeconomic challenges collectively.
Before and After
Before Simon Oraon Minj’s interventions, agriculture in the region relied heavily on erratic monsoon rains, leading to water scarcity, low crop yields, and economic instability. Farmers could barely grow a single crop annually, and the threat of drought loomed constantly. His efforts revolutionised the region’s agricultural landscape. The construction of reservoirs and check dams provided a consistent water supply, enhancing irrigation and enabling multi-crop farming. The transformation significantly boosted agricultural productivity, improved food security, and uplifted the villagers’ economic conditions. The afforestation initiatives further contributed to ecological balance, reducing soil erosion and enhancing groundwater recharge.
Achievements and Accolades
In addition to receiving the Padma Shri in 2016, Simon Oraon Minj’s contributions earned him widespread recognition. His work as a Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellow from 2012 to 2014 further underscored his expertise and dedication to rural development. Under his leadership, the region witnessed remarkable agricultural growth, setting an example of sustainable development through community participation.
Simon Oraon Minj’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the profound impact of local solutions in addressing global challenges like water scarcity and environmental degradation. His story inspires future generations, exemplifying resilience, environmental stewardship, and unwavering commitment to community welfare.