Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches Revolutionary Green Initiative: A Call to Action for Environmental Protection

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches Revolutionary Green Initiative: A Call to Action for Environmental Protection

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann issued a powerful call to action on Tuesday, urging citizens to transform the state’s plantation drive into a mass movement. This initiative aims to combat environmental pollution and enhance Punjab’s green cover. Speaking at a state-level Van Mahautsav function, CM Mann emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship through the lens of Gurbani teachings.

Addressing the crowd, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the significant impact of this unique initiative, which is designed to increase the green cover across Punjab. He referenced the Gurbani verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’, noting that the great Gurus have historically equated air (pawan) with a teacher, water (paani) with a father, and land (dharat) with a mother. These teachings reflect a time when environmental pollution was minimal, underscoring the foresight of the Gurus in advocating for environmental protection.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the state’s residents to embrace these teachings and contribute to restoring Punjab’s natural beauty by participating in the plantation drive. He assured that the state government is committed to this cause and encouraged citizens to support it by planting more trees. This movement aims to turn the plantation drive into a widespread effort, benefiting both the environment and the people.

In a groundbreaking move, Punjab has become the first state in India to introduce a carbon credit scheme aimed at environmental preservation and global warming mitigation. Developed in collaboration with TERI, this scheme will provide Rs 45 crore in funding to 3,686 farmers across the state in four installments. As part of this initiative, Chief Minister Mann distributed cheques worth Rs 1.75 crore to 818 farmers in Hoshiarpur district, marking the first installment of this ambitious project.

CM Mann explained that these funds, distributed through the Direct Benefit Scheme, will support farmers in their environmental efforts, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme operates on the ‘Polluter Pays Principle,’ wherein polluters contribute to the compensation of organizations and farmers working to reduce carbon emissions. Farmers who plant saplings and contribute to environmental health are eligible for benefits under this scheme.

The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of deforestation, attributing recent natural disasters to the reckless cutting of trees. He urged farmers to plant at least four trees per farm, with the possibility of enacting this recommendation into law to ensure future generations benefit.

Under CM Mann’s leadership, the use of canal water for irrigation has significantly improved from 21% to 72%. Notable projects include the construction of the New Kandi Canal, expected to benefit 11,000 acres of land, and the establishment of a 206 Megawatt dam at Dhar Kalan.

Furthermore, the Punjab government has initiated the construction of the Malwa Canal, a 150-kilometer-long project expected to revolutionize irrigation in the Malwa region. With an investment of Rs 2,300 crore, this canal will enhance the productivity of nearly 200,000 acres of fertile land.

Addressing political opponents, CM Mann criticized SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal for attempting to mislead the public with political maneuvers. He condemned the Badal family’s actions and emphasized that their sins against the state are unforgivable.

CM Mann also discussed the ongoing investigation into the sacrilege incident, assuring that the real culprits will face justice. He criticized rebel Akali leaders for their insincere attempts to address past wrongs.

In his closing remarks, CM Mann highlighted the government’s commitment to efficient governance. The ‘Sarkar Tuhaade Dwaar’ scheme, which brings government services to citizens’ doorsteps, exemplifies this new approach to governance. The Chief Minister promised further pro-people initiatives to enhance the welfare of Punjab’s residents.

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