CM for collective efforts to save ecology

Ropar

Taking a tough stance on environment protection, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has called for collective efforts by all, including governments, NGOs and people in the country, while stressing the need to be stricter with industry on adherence to environmental standards.

Addressing a gathering at a state-level function to mark World Environment Day that coincided with the first anniversary of the government’s flagship health project – Mission Tandarust Punjab – on the premises of Ropar IIT, he underlined the importance of an apolitical approach to addressing environmental issues.

He also honoured those working for the protection of environment, including president of Eco Sikh India Supreet Kaur, noted environmentalist PS Bhatti, Ritesh Bhatia of India Paryavaran Sahayak Foundation and Loveleen Bains, associate professor at Guru Nanak National College in Doraha.

The Chief Minister said that the government could make policies and implement them, but the realisation about the need for personal efforts by one and all and stricter observance of environmental norms by the industry was equally important to achieve sustainability goals.

Announcing the launch of a project for cleaning of Buddha Nullah by year-end, he said saving the environment was the responsibility of each citizen.

He also underlined the responsibility of the citizens in conservation of groundwater, the level of which in Punjab was depleting fast. Pointing to reports suggesting that Punjab would become a desert in 20 years, he lamented that free-of-cost power and water had led to wastage, making it necessary for farmers to realise their responsibility on this count.

On the government’s part, he once again ordered to stop plantation of water-consuming eucalyptus trees along the roadside, urging people to plant traditional trees of the state such as jamun, mango, kikar and beri. He also underscored the need to get out of paddy plantation and move towards alternatives.

Others who attended the event include IIT Director SK Das, Punjab Speaker Rana KP Singh, Cabinet ministers Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Charanjit Singh Channi and Sunder Sham Arora and MLAs Angad Singh and Amarjit Singh Sandoa.