Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave a clarion call for launching a mass movement to save water and environment in the state. At the same time, Chief Minister said that after moong, the State Government would next diversify to makki, bajra, surajkmukhi, dalan, and saron.
The Chief Minister, who was in Seechewal to participate in a function to mark 34th death anniversary of Sant Avtar Singh, expressed deep concern over the depleting ground water table and polluting environment in the state.
The immediate remedial steps are required to save the only precious and scarce natural resource of Punjab — the water, and check environmental pollution, he said.
Mann said that this cannot be done by the government alone but people’s participation is must by launching a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitise them about its significance, especially in the wake of global warming.
Showing deep concern over the gravity of the emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, the Chief Minister said that almost all the blocks in the State are in the dark zone as far as the groundwater is concerned. “It is really pathetic to learn that the same high-powered motors that are used to extract oil in Dubai and other Arab nations are being used for gushing out groundwater in the state. The reckless trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do not have to strive for water,” he stressed.
The Chief Minister further said that on its part the state government is trying to ensure optimum utilisation of surface water in the State for reducing pressure on the groundwater. Likewise, he said that this year. The State Government has incentivised Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) due to 20 lakh acres of the state are expected to be cultivated under it, which will save the water.
On an issue flagged by renowned environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the Chief Minister said that he will raise the matter related to desilting of Gidderpindi Railway Bridge with the Union Railways Minister. The deposit of silt under the bridge has been creating havoc with life and property of people by flooding the region after a short span.
Lauding the marvellous services rendered by Sant Seechewal, the Chief Minister said that Baba ji had ushered a new revolution for saving the environment through his dedication and commitment.
