Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Indian River Cleaner Draws Job Offer From Dutch Environmental Leader
Surendra Singh Choudhary is a young man from Madhya Pradesh whose nickname is Bittu Tabahi.
He has been cleaning the dirty Ajnar River near his hometown.
He removes plastic, algae, sludge and other rubbish.
He started the project on January 26 and often worked mostly by himself.
He paid about ₹30,000 for tools and a dustbin.
He posted videos to show the cleanup and encourage other people.
Some critics said he wanted attention, but Choudhary said the videos were meant to motivate people.
Boyan Slat noticed his work online and invited him to work for The Ocean Cleanup, although no article says that he accepted the invitation.
Surendra Singh Choudhary, known as Bittu Tabahi, has spent months removing plastic, algae, sludge and other waste from Madhya Pradesh’s Ajnar River.
Reports describe Choudhary as either 20 or 21 years old; they also variously identify him as a science graduate or BSc student.
He began the “Clean Anjar” effort on January 26 and reportedly spent about ₹30,000 of his own money on equipment and a dustbin.
Choudhary’s cleanup videos and before-and-after images went viral, although critics accused him of seeking social-media publicity.
Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, responded to a post about the work on X by writing, “Come work for us.”
- Who
- Surendra Singh Choudhary, known as Bittu Tabahi; Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup; and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who praised Choudhary.
- What
- Choudhary cleaned polluted sections of the Ajnar River and received a public invitation to work for The Ocean Cleanup.
- When
- He began the initiative on January 26, described in one report as January 26, 2026. Reports differ on whether he is 20 or 21.
- Where
- The cleanup took place around the Ajnar River in Biaora, Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Choudhary said he wanted to conserve the river and posted videos to motivate others; Slat’s invitation followed online attention to the cleanup.
Supporters and Officials
Critics and Cautionary Views
Purpose of social-media posts
Supporters and Officials
Choudhary said he shared videos to motivate people, and Anand Mahindra argued that attention can still support meaningful environmental work.
Critics and Cautionary Views
Critics accused him of cleaning the river mainly as a publicity stunt or to gain social-media views.
Scale and impact of the cleanup
Supporters and Officials
Reports say Choudhary cleaned nearly two-thirds of the river and three ghats, while the local municipality later joined the effort.
Critics and Cautionary Views
The reports do not provide an independent measurement confirming the claimed proportion of the river cleaned.
Long-term solution
Supporters and Officials
Choudhary’s work and reported government support have brought attention to river conservation.
Critics and Cautionary Views
The cleanup alone cannot prevent renewed pollution; waste disposal, sewage management, civic participation and continued institutional action are also needed.
The reported job offer
Supporters and Officials
Supporters viewed Slat’s message as a major opportunity for the young environmental volunteer.
Critics and Cautionary Views
The articles describe a public invitation or apparent offer, but do not confirm formal employment or Choudhary’s acceptance.
- Full name
- Surendra Singh Choudhary
- Nickname
- Bittu Tabahi
- Reported age
- 20 in some reports and 21 in others
- Cleanup location
- Ajnar River, Biaora, Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh
- Initiative
- “Clean Anjar,” launched on January 26
- Personal spending
- About ₹30,000 for equipment and a dustbin
- Public invitation
- Boyan Slat wrote on X: “Come work for us.”
Sources
MP: Passion For River Conservation Wins Job Offer For MP From Environment Body
20-year-old Indian who cleaned polluted river gets ‘job offer’ from Dutch founder
Who is Bittu Tabahi? The 21-year-old who cleaned a polluted river and caught a Dutch CEO’s eye
