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AGENDA 2012-17. Environment
BJP steers clear of row, says it’s for court to decide
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Day after, Cong changes stance
Excise Dept targets high liquor sale
Muktsar memorial faces neglect
Ex-DGP lobbying for post in Home Dept
Abductors kill Phillaur man in Greece
Beant’s daughters against execution
Flag march in Jalandhar
Ensure tight security: Intelligence
Native village holds bike rally till Patiala
Shivalik hills up for sale?
AICTE rejects 80% forms for starting new colleges
Ludhiana youth tops Punjab judicial exams
Test for law officers on Tuesday
Social studies teachers forced to teach English
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AGENDA 2012-17. Environment Of the various forms of pollution, that of fouling up the state’s water bodies as well as groundwater with industrial effluents and civic waste is of utmost concern as it affects the health of the people directly, especially those in the southern Punjab. And addressing this issue is not just a matter of implementing rules, but — more importantly — making available the funds required for setting up treatment plants and regulated drainage, an area that has received only lip service thus far. Following pressure mounted on the government through agitation by environmentalist Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal and others, the authorities had promised to stop the pollution of rivers in the state by November-end last year. On ground, nothing changed. For want of money, sewage treatment plants (STPs) could not be made functional in most towns and cities. Of the 137 municipal towns, there was a plan to set up STPs in 50 at an estimated cost of Rs 2,300 crore. STPs for the rest would cost another Rs 3,000. The Centre was to partially fund this. The state would now have to contribute its share, as the civic bodies do not have their own funds. A plan already prepared for the disposal of solid waste — 4,000 tonne garbage generated every day in the state’s towns and cities — needs execution. There has been resistance to the setting up of certain disposal sites from residents in the neighbourhood. The government will have to select isolated spots for this. Pollution is not just of the rivers. The air and sub-soil water are as polluted. In some places the soil has also become toxic. An environment performance index (EPI) of the Planning Commission last year had rated Punjab at the bottom of all states. To sell Punjab as a responsible development-oriented state, demonstrating genuine concern for environment would be important. SAD manifesto (2012-2017) The SAD manifesto for 2007-12 had made no promises on environment. That the serious matter has now been addressed is a good beginning. The government promises to launch a “paun, paani, dharti, akash” movement. n
A separate Environment Ministry will be created and all rivers will be cleaned within two years. n
Organic farming and bio-technology to be encouraged. Environment audit for areas where ecology under threat. n
Ban on plastic and other environment threatening materials to be strictly enforced. n
Ecology to be a compulsory subject in schools. n
Environment preservation task force to be set up. n
Subsidy on solar heaters to be increased. CFL bulbs to be given free under a special scheme. n
Pollution norms for transport vehicles to be enforced. WHERE CASH NOT NEEDED, GET CRACKING IMMEDIATELY Forest cover Stubble burning Pesticides, fertilisers Industry In cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, pollution from vehicular emissions is a particular challenge. There are around 50 lakh vehicles in the state. Like Delhi, only CNG-based auto-rickshaws should be allowed in big cities. EXPERTSPEAK
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BJP steers clear of row, says it’s for court to decide
Chandigarh, March 25 The party also ruled out supporting any resolution calling for clemency to former Chief Minister Beant Singh's assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana. The issue was discussed during a meeting of the party's state leaders, office-bearers and newly elected legislators, which was presided over by BJP national vice-president Shanta Kumar and state chief Ashwani Kumar Sharma. There was an overwhelming opinion in the meeting that the laid-down norms should be respected in the case. The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the party was against terrorism and its leaders and workers in Punjab had borne the brunt of with former president Hit Abhilashi and youth leader Tarsem Singh Bahar paying with their lives for standing against the menace. The leaders said even in today's context, the party did not want to strengthen the divisive forces in the border state. In the light of this discussion, it was decided that the SAD should be advised not to present any such resolution seeking clemency for Rajoana in the Vidhan Sabha. The leaders, however, expressed confidence in the sagacity of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. A leader pointed out that Badal had admitted that the law could not be bypassed even though he respected the directives of the Akal Takht. The BJP's decision is in line with its earlier policy. The party had earlier also refused to become party to any resolution calling for clemency to Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, who in on death row after being indicted in an assassination attempt on former Indian Youth Congress president Maninderjit Singh Bitta. Meanwhile, the meeting congratulated Punjab election in-charge JP Nadda for the "intense work" put in by him in the state. The leaders said the soothsayers who had predicted a whitewash for the Bharatiya Janata Party had been proved wrong and that the party had been able to retain a substantial hold in the state. They also decided to conduct an exercise to identify the factors that led to the party's defeat in the remaining constituencies. Clergy to review title decision Amritsar: A day after Balwant Singh Rajoana turned down the title of "Zinda Shaheed" (living martyr), Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh on Sunday said the matter would be discussed in the next meeting of the Sikh high priests. Talking to mediapersons here, the Jathedar said, "We respect Rajoana's sentiments and will discuss the issue in the meeting of the Sikh clergy…. The meeting may happen any time keeping in view the sensitivity of the issue." — TNS sikh HIGH PRIESTS MAY MEET
today Amritsar: As the countdown to March 31, the day when Balwant Singh Rajoana is to be hanged, has begun, there are reports that the Sikh high priests may hold yet another meeting in Amritsar on Monday. Sources said Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh has asked the other Sikh high priests to reach the holy city on Monday. However, the points to be discussed in the meeting are likely to become clear only by the morning.
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Day after, Cong changes stance
Chandigarh, March 25 Sources said this was the party's latest stand that had been arrived at after detailed discussion. They said Jakhar had made a personal statement on the issue. The PCC president, in a statement here, said the party would support any step taken by the government, be it legal or an appeal to the President, to get Rajoana's death sentence commuted. Sources said the Congress had realised that the Rajoana case was not only an emotive one, but could have widespread political ramifications. The party feels it could also become a Sikh issue and it did not want to be caught on the wrong side of the fence in such an eventuality. They said the Congress had, under the leadership of Capt Amarinder Singh, entrenched itself in the Jat Sikh peasantry and had won most of its seats (31) from the Malwa region in the Assembly elections. They said Rajoana was emerging as a hero among the Jat Sikh peasantry and that it was imperative that the party be seen taking steps to save him from the gallows. The party has, as part of its strategy, involved Beant Singh's family in the issue, with his grandson Gurkirat Kotli saying "he had no objection to Rajoana being given clemency". Amarinder today said he appreciated and endorsed the stand taken by the Beant family. While referring to the recent developments in the aftermath of the court orders directing hanging of Rajoana, the PCC president said, "Beant Singh gave his life for peace in Punjab and the members of his family today are united in their belief that peace must be maintained in the state at all costs."
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Excise Dept targets high liquor sale
But, less than one month after the new government came to power, the Excise and Taxation Department has rather fixed a higher target of selling about one crore more liquor bottles in 2012-13. In 2011-12, the department had the target of selling 30.76 crore liquor bottles. The target has been increased to 31.70 crore bottles. The department has also increased the licence fee from Rs 179 per proof litre (PL) to Rs 196 per PL. This means that for every bottle of IMFL, a buyer will pay an increased licence fee of Rs 110.25 from April 1. Till now, he was paying Rs 100.68. For every country-made liquor (PML) bottle, the licence fee has been increased from Rs 67.12 to Rs 73.50. With a target of selling 1,334 lakh PL liquor quota, the department will allot vends to sell 23.95 crore bottles of country-made liquor and 7.75 crore bottles of English liquor. The allotment of vends will start from March 28. The targeted increase in the sale of liquor quota is 5 per cent less than that of previous year, said A Venu Prasad, Punjab Excise and Taxation Commissioner. Sources in the department said against the earning of Rs 2,309 crore in 2011-12, the department had a target of earning Rs 2,614 crore as licence fee from liquor vends. It is interesting that for 92.03 lakh adults (male voters) the target is of selling 31.70 crore liquor bottles. This, in addition to huge distillation of illicit liquor in the state, said Kamal Anand, a member of People for Transparency, a voluntary group. Last year, many panchayats had campaigned against the sale of liquor in their respective villages. This year, around 82 panchayats had asked the Excise and Taxation Department not to open liquor shops in their villages. "The department has accepted 35 of these proposals," said A Venu Prasad, adding that the demand is accepted only if there is not even a single case of illicit liquor brewing or smuggling in the past two years in the village. On a High n The department expects to sell 31.70 cr bottles as against 30.76 cr last year n
Licence fee has been increased from Rs 179 per proof litre (PL) to Rs 196 per PL. This means for every bottle of IMFL, a buyer will pay an increased licence fee of Rs 110.25 against Rs 100.68 n
The department has a target of earning Rs 2,614 crore as licence fee from liquor vends
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Muktsar memorial faces neglect
Muktsar, March 25 In sharp contrast, the government recently inaugurated a number of monuments dedicated to Sikh history at various places in the state. Hardly any visitor can be seen here these days and the slow pace of construction of a road connecting to it is proving to be a major hurdle. Heaps of clay lying in front of the monument have blocked the entrance. The rings girdled with khanda are now covered with rust and some of the lights installed there are also missing. The minar is crying for immediate attention of the authorities, which spent nearly Rs 5 crore to build it in February 2005 on the 301st martyrdom day of the "muktas". Hardeep Singh, a local resident, alleged that the monument was facing neglect because it was built by the then Congress government. "Neither the Akali government nor the SGPC authorities gave due respect. No wonder, no one pays any heed towards the upkeep of this monument, which is gradually turning into a safe haven for drug addicts," he said. Gurmeet Singh, another resident, said, "Before inaugurating a number of historical monuments, the government should have first asked the authorities to look after all of the existing memorials". Hira Lal, SDO, Mandi Board, said, "The road construction work is in full swing and we will complete it in a short period". SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar feigned ignorance about the poor upkeep of the monument, but assured to do the needful at the earliest. "I will ask the officials concerned to visit the monument and restore the things," Makkar added.
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Ex-DGP lobbying for post in Home Dept
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who held the home affairs portfolio in the previous government, created the special post of adviser in the department for Gill after he retired from service on September 30, 2011, apparently to promote him in politics. The former top cop contested the assembly election on the SAD ticket from Moga but lost to sitting Congress MLA Joginder Pal Jain by a margin of over 4,000 votes. Gill had worked hard to become the MLA but his dreams were shattered by the urban electorate of Moga town despite the fact that he managed to get a lead of more than 3,500 votes in rural areas. Sources close to Sukhbir Badal said Gill was again looking forward to become adviser in the home department. Gill, it has been learnt, met Badal Junior a few days after the Assembly poll results were declared. Sukhbir, it is learnt, gave him a patient hearing but did not give any assurance, probably keeping in view the changed political scenario in Moga district after the induction of Jathedar Tota Singh in the cabinet. Jathedar's son Barjinder Singh Brar, also known as Makhan Brar, who is Moga Municipal Council president, was also eying the party ticket from Moga constituency. But, the SAD relied on Gill. Seventy one-year-old Jathedar Tota Singh is the senior most leader of the party taken as a cabinet minister and acknowledging the fact, Sukhbir would definitely take this local Akali stalwart into confidence before giving any plum post to anybody from the district. Besides, the Jathedar would also be looking forward to promote his son, who is Youth Akali Dal senior vice-president and enjoys cordial relations with Badal Junior. However, those close to Gill were confident that the former top cop would again get the advisor's post. On the other hand, a senior bureaucrat claimed that new DGP Sumedh Saini would never like Gill to sit on his head and dictate terms in the Police Department. It would be hard to convince Saini, who is considered as a tough cop to accommodate Gill on this plum post, he said.
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Abductors kill Phillaur man in Greece
Phillaur, March 25 Surjit Singh (39) was reportedly abducted and later murdered by assailants in Kreeti town yesterday. Harjinder Kaur, deceased's wife, said her husband had been living in Greece for the last nine years. Around 10 days back, said she, her husband called her and said he had been kidnapped. The abductors were demanding 20,000 Euros to free him, she said. The victim's wife said that before she could have arranged the amount, she received a call from a gurdwara granthi in Kreeti that the body of her husband had been found. The granthi also informed her that the police had arrested an accused in the case. She said efforts were being made to bring the body to Cheema Kalan village for cremation.
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Beant’s daughters against execution
Jalandhar, March 25 They said they had been inspired by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had forgiven the killers of her husband Rajiv Gandhi. “We are staunch followers of ‘gurbani’ which teaches us to forgive people and forget the past. We are against the concept of capital punishment. Rajoana should not be hanged and the court should consider our view point on this. We are going to write a formal letter to the court in this regard,” said Gurkanwal and Amanjit while talking to The Tribune at the former’s Mota Singh Nagar residence last evening. “The motive behind our move is to preserve peace and communal harmony in the state,” they said. “Our father sacrificed his life for peace in the state. How can we disturb it by supporting Rajoana’s hanging? We don’t believe in taking revenge. Moreover, giving life or taking it back is the domain of ‘waheguru’,” said the sisters.
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Flag march in Jalandhar
On the other hand, a number of Sikh organisations participated in a protest march held in favour of clemency for Rajoana. The Jalandhar commissionerate has received companies of the BSF and the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) as it resolved to maintain law and order in view of the impending hanging of Rajoana. “We are not going to take chances. Peace will be maintained under all circumstances and nobody will be allowed to disrupt it. The flag march was a held as a preventive measure,” said Jalandhar Police Commissioner Gaurav Yadav. The flag march which started from BMC chowk passed through PNB chowk, Milap Chowk, Central Town, Railway Station, Sodal, Mai Hiran gate, Rainik Bazaar and concluded at the Bus stand. On the way, police personnel conducted search of passengers at the Jalandhar city railway station and the bus stand. “Nothing incriminating was found during the search operation,” said Navjot Singh, a senior police officer. Meanwhile, tempers ran high as scores of Sikh youth waived “kesari” flags and carried placards as they participated in a protest march. The march started from Gurdwara Model Town and concluded at Guru Nanak Mission chowk and was organised by the Punjab Youth Clubs’ Organisation, International Sikh Council, Akali Dal (Delhi), Jat Sikh Sabha, General Samaj Manch, Sher-E-Punjab Youth Club and other social organisations.
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Ensure tight security: Intelligence
Patiala, March 25 Following a review of the security arrangements after the court order on hanging of Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana, the Punjab government had sent an SOS call to the Centre, seeking additional paramilitary forces. Sources said the state government had already got additional back-up of 15 companies of the paramilitary force and the CRPF. “Following a meeting of the police top brass and intelligence units, the companies have been stationed in all districts of the state,” they added. Besides, the armed battalions of the state force have been kept on a high alert. ADGP (Law and Order) SK Sharma said all aspects of maintaining law and order in the state were discussed in detail. “We have decided to step up security all over the state by deputing additional forces,” he said. Intelligence inputs suggest that some hardliners could try to create disturbance in the garb of support for Rajoana due to which the police is extra cautious. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has already assured that he would do everything possible to see that “the situation does not get out of hand nor it is exploited by the hardliners”. “Peace in Punjab came at a very high price and all of us want it to continue,” he had commented during his visit to Patiala yesterday. Meanwhile, the hardline factions have called for a complete bandh on March 28 followed by two days of agitation outside the Patiala Central Jail. “We have completed the security review. Though peaceful agitations could continue, no one would be allowed to violate the law”, said Patiala DIG LK Yadav.
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Native village holds bike rally till Patiala
Patiala, March 25 The residents of Rajoana village, falling in Raikot area of Ludhiana district, today sought the intervention of the Union and state governments to save the ‘Zinda Shaheed’ (living martyr), a title bestowed upon Rajoana by the Akal Takht, from the gallows. Around 300 of them today took out a rally on motorcycles, which started from Rajoana village and concluded in Patiala. The villagers also prayed for Balwant’s safety at the historic Gurdwara Dukhnivaran Sahib in Patiala. "Punjab has already witnessed a lot of bloodshed during the militancy period that lasted around two decades. The Union and the state governments should ensure that Rojana is saved…. His hanging can disturb Punjab’s hard-earned peace,” said Ramninder Singh, a Rajoana resident. Several Sikh organisations have also joined the “Save Rajoana” chorus. They issued separate statements demanding the commuting of Rajoana’s death sentence. Sources in the Punjab intelligence wing said there was a possibility of the situation getting out of control if immediate steps were not taken to save Rajoana.
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Shivalik hills up for sale?
Mirzapur (Kurali), March 25 In a bid to make quick money, the land mafia is selling farmhouse sites to outsiders after cutting undulating hillocks. The investors are being taken for a ride as they are being sold the land that cannot be fragmented under the latest guidelines of the Revenue Department. Moreover, the nature of the land in the forest area cannot be changed. But at certain places there were traces of uprooting of trees in complete violation of the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). In connivance with villagers, property dealers have started levelling small areas on both sides of a seasonal rivulet, which passes through the Shivalik hills. A visit to the site revealed that locals had been engaged in levelling of small chunks of land and huts were being erected. To lure outsiders, milestones painted in white have been erected on both sides of the paths leading to the farmhouse sites. Some of the investors were being shown a site plan with a promise that in a few months a metalled road would be constructed to the farmhouse sites. Revenue officials at Majri tehsil said that shares of local residents in the forest area were being illegally transferred despite a ban on it. Divisional Forest Officer, Mohali, Vishal Chauhan said after the issue came to his notice, a particular property dealer had been stopped from doing any illegal activity. He claimed that no violation had taken place in the area under the PLPA. The claim of landowners that their land had been de-listed was being verified. Activities such as felling of trees, construction, levelling of land, laying of new roads, etc stand banned in the area under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, Forest Control Act, 1980, and the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900. Also, these Acts empower forest officials not only to stop construction work, but even arrest violators, if any, and confiscate their machinery. Locals lament that despite complaints, forest officials were adopting a wait and watch policy and were not acting against property dealers who were flouting rules and could be seen roaming in the area. Last year, the Forest Department was caught napping when a politician-turned-property dealer had carved out roads for farmhouse sites in Majri block comprising five villages - Bhagindi, Gurdha, Kasauli, Jyanti Majri and Karaundewala. "It is a systematic scam in which unscrupulous elements in connivance with revenue officials are tampering with land records to encroach upon others' share and then level hillocks for monetary gains. It cannot happen without the blessings of politicians and senior officers," said a local resident.
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AICTE rejects 80% forms for starting new colleges
Jalandhar, March 25 The figures were mentioned by SK Jena, regional officer of north-west region, AICTE, during a prize distribution function held at Apeejay Institute of Management today. Jena said 80 per cent applicants did not receive an approval, as they were deficient in one aspect or the other. “They can seek a second opportunity for approval, if they think that they can satisfy our inspection teams this time.” “Seeking approvals is not easy. The teams visit colleges and make video records of everything that is instructed. A checklist is given to the teams, who use the list to check the presence of all items. The regional office as well as the Delhi office then assesses the VCDs prepared by the teams. It is after the central team gives a nod that the clearance is given,” the officer divulged. Answering a question on why Rs 1 lakh per stream charges levied by the AICTE, the regional officer said, “Since the team members come from different parts of the country, they usually take flight to their destination. Their lodging cost us Rs 8,000 per day. One inspection costs us Rs 1 lakh. Plus there are often double inspections. Sometimes when the teams reject the application for the second time, the applicants go to court, following which another inspection has to be conducted.” Asked about sanctions being given to more colleges despite about 20 to 25 per cent seats lying vacant, he said, “It is the right of every group to set up an institute. How can we deny more players from starting a business? It is an open market. May be the new entrant has better inputs to offer. Besides, it creates a healthy competition, keeping the existing colleges on toes to improve themselves or perish.” The officer said the AICTE had also planned to start low-cost skill development certificate courses for the students of Classes IX onwards. He said polytechnics and ITIs would be roped in for the project. “We have already sought proposals on the matter,” he said while adding that the courses would run from levels one to six. Jena said the idea was to ensure that as many as 60 per cent school dropouts were at least armed with some professional skills as they moved out to seek jobs. He said he hoped that some of the courses including those in theatre and stage craft, acting, retail marketing, building technology, jewellery design, printing technology, and tourism and service sector would receive a good response.
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Ludhiana youth tops Punjab judicial exams
Arora said he had cleared the exam last year also and ranked third, but could not join due to some legal complications. He ranked second in the Haryana Judicial Services examinations and has also cleared the preliminary round of judicial exams of Delhi. Inspiration for choosing the career came from home with father SK Arora being an Additional District and Sessions Judge and mother Seema Arora Deputy District Attorney. "I was inspired from the beginning looking at my mother and father," he said. "We never told him to go for this field, but when he expressed a desire to take up law, we naturally agreed," said his father. A 2010 graduate of the Army Institute of Law, Mohali, he did his senior secondary from KVM School, Ludhiana. He started preparing for the exam after completing his law degree and took coaching from an institute in Chandigarh. He attributes his success to his law institute teacher Dr Rajinder Kaur, who guided him through. "Study with full concentration with a fresh mind, rather than pushing yourself when you don't feel like," he said. For aspirants preparing for the exam, he said that apart from thorough knowledge of subjects, one should work on language as well.
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Test for law officers on Tuesday
Patiala, March 25 A test in this regard would be held on March 27 from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm at Sri Aurobindo International Senior Secondary School, Rajpura Road. Later, physical test would be held from April 5 to 13 on Punjabi University campus. Candidates can log on to www.recruitment.cdacmohali.in to verify their allotted roll numbers. — TNS
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Social studies teachers forced to teach English
Patiala, March 25 Moreover, social studies teachers, who have been given the task of teaching English, feel that it is unjustified, as they have to teach a subject in which they are not specialised. Sources in the Education Department said that earlier there were no posts for the English teachers. Then, some posts were added under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, but the number of sanctioned posts of English teachers is not even equal to the total number of schools in the state, as a result the responsibility still falls on the shoulders of social studies teachers. Though the government has appointed service providers for teaching English in schools, but the number is still not sufficient. A social studies teacher said that all teachers, including Punjabi, Hindi, social studies, sciences etc, had studied the same English till graduation. "So why it is that social science teachers have been given English classes? We have to teach our subject also which puts extra pressure on us. Other teachers are not ready to cooperate with us," he added. Another teacher rued that social studies teachers were not fully aware of the teaching skills for English. "Though they complete the syllabus, they are unable to teach the basic grammar properly, as a result students are not very good at English. Somehow, they manage to clear the written examination, but speaking the same is very difficult for them. Only students of a few government model schools throughout the state are the ones who can match the speaking skills of English medium schools. What about others?" he added. Urging the government to appoint more English teachers, social studies teachers said it would not only ease their pressure, but would also help in raising the standard of education in government schools.
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Muktsar, March 25
Jalandhar, March 25
Mirzapur (Kurali), March 25
A crucial antidote to air pollution, forest cover is rather thin over Punjab. It is less than 6 per cent of the area, whereas it should be at least 33 per cent. Forests now remain only in certain pockets, such as the Kandi belt and along the Shivalik foothills. Afforestation projects have mostly been undermined by massive corruption in the past. The government needs to get tough with the Forest Department, and also clear private encroachments on forest areas.
Farmers are a major vote ban for any party, but they are also major contributors to pollution. The government needs to stop the burning of paddy and wheat residue by enacting a law, and implementing it despite resistance. As much as 20 million tonne of paddy residue is produced every year, of which only 1 million tonne is used as fuel for power generation. The rest is put on fire in the fields, causing air pollution.
Injudicious use of pesticides and fertilisers in farms ends up poisoning the river and canal waters. As much as 6,000 tonnes of pesticides and insecticides were consumed in 2010-11, traces of which are found in food grains and the human body too. High cancer incidence and dwindling bird population are the result of this. The use of chemical fertilisers in the state is almost double the national average. High level of uranium in the sub-soil water of Malwa region is suspected to be a result of chemical fertilisers. The government needs to educate farmers on the optimal use of chemicals. Measures to regulate the amount a farmer can buy should also be considered.
Air pollution is caused mostly by smoke from industries, coal-based thermal plants and vehicles. Punjab already has three thermal plants, three are coming up, and another two are proposed. Punjab needs alternative sources of clean energy, besides stringent check on industries releasing smoke.
vehicles
The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has failed in its task. It should play a pro-active role to stop industries from discharging toxic effluents in rivers and streams. The government should give a free hand to the board to punish the violators of environment laws. The SAD manifesto has promised to take significant steps. I will be happy if the government fulfils its promise to clean up the rivers.
Society too should be sensitised about environment and the effects of pollution. Schoolchildren should be involved in environment campaigns, which should be more frequent. A lot of saplings have been planted over the past few years, but it is no good if no one takes care of those subsequently, and they die. There is a need to increase the tree cover in all parts of the state. People doing good work on environment should be encouraged.
Faridkot, March 25
Moga, March 25
Jalandhar, March 25
Ludhiana, March 25