Sultanpur Lodhi, Punjab – July 16: In a compelling and emotionally charged address delivered at the 25th anniversary celebration of the holy Kali Bein’s revival, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann issued a clarion call to the people of Punjab to unite in preserving water resources and combating environmental degradation. The Chief Minister’s appeal was not merely symbolic—it resonated with policy action, spiritual wisdom, and a strong commitment to sustainable development rooted in Punjab’s heritage and its future.
Held at the sacred site of Sultanpur Lodhi, the commemoration event honored the monumental voluntary cleaning effort of the 165-kilometre-long Kali Bein stream, a spiritual and ecological lifeline in Punjab. Marking 25 years since the launch of this historic “Kar Sewa” by renowned environmentalist and now Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, the function served as both a tribute and a call to action.
From Rivers of Heritage to Canals of Crisis
Punjab, traditionally celebrated as the land of five rivers, now finds itself grappling with a severe water crisis. Addressing the gathering, CM Mann expressed concern over the rapid depletion of groundwater levels and increasing pollution levels. “We once had water in abundance, but our current reality is grim. If urgent steps are not taken, we will bequeath a parched and polluted legacy to our children,” he warned.
The Chief Minister detailed several water conservation initiatives launched under his administration. Since taking office, Mann noted, the state has successfully revived 15,947 water channels, ensuring canal water reaches even the remotest rural areas. When the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government assumed power, canal irrigation accounted for just 21% of the total irrigated area in the state. Through concerted efforts, that figure has now surged to 63%, significantly reducing dependence on groundwater extraction.
Gurbani as Environmental Ethos
Citing the sacred verses of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Bhagwant Mann invoked the spiritual foundation of environmental stewardship embedded in Sikhism. “‘Pavan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’—our air is our teacher, water our father, and Earth our revered mother. Yet, we have polluted all three,” he said, urging citizens to reflect on their moral and spiritual duties toward the environment.
Honoring a Pioneer, Building a Legacy
The Chief Minister lauded Sant Seechewal for his visionary environmental activism. “What began with a humble Ardaas at Gurdwara Shri Ber Sahib in 2000 has now become a model for grassroots environmental restoration, not just in India but globally,” said Mann. He also recognized Baba Seechewal’s impactful role in Parliament, where he has been raising water conservation and pollution issues with urgency and consistency.
Mann shared that their joint efforts have now turned to cleaning the heavily polluted Buddha Dariya (formerly Buddha Nallah), a task he said was well underway and promised to restore the waterbody to its natural form in the coming years.
A Government of Action, Not Just Words
CM Mann underscored that the event was not just a ceremonial observance, but a platform to reinforce environmental responsibility among citizens. He emphasized that the Punjab government is investing heavily in sustainable development, including major water infrastructure projects in Sultanpur Lodhi. These projects, worth crores of rupees, are designed to protect sacred heritage sites and improve public amenities.
He further highlighted that commemorations like the Kali Bein anniversary serve to deepen awareness among the youth and foster a cultural shift towards environmental consciousness. “We want this event to be the cornerstone of a people’s movement—a Jan Andolan—for preserving nature,” he asserted.
Policy and Law: A Shield Against Environmental and Social Degradation
Alongside ecological concerns, the Chief Minister spoke about legislative measures aimed at preserving Punjab’s spiritual and moral fabric. He cited the recently tabled “Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025” as an example of the government’s resolve to prevent sacrilegious acts. “These crimes are not just against faith; they are attacks on Punjab’s unity,” said Mann. He pledged that his government would enforce strict legal measures to ensure the dignity of all religious scriptures is safeguarded.
Welfare Measures and Social Reforms
The Chief Minister also shared several people-centric initiatives being implemented by the state. Chief among them was the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the country’s first universal healthcare scheme offering ₹10 lakh worth of cashless medical treatment per year to every household in Punjab. “This initiative ensures that no family has to suffer financial hardship for accessing quality healthcare,” said Mann.
He also addressed the state’s aggressive stance against drug abuse, a long-standing issue that has plagued Punjab for decades. Under the campaign “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), village panchayats are actively passing resolutions declaring their villages drug-free. This grassroots initiative is complemented by systematic efforts to dismantle drug supply chains, seize illegal assets, and rehabilitate affected youth.
The Road Ahead: Collective Responsibility
CM Mann concluded with a powerful reminder that the state government alone cannot address the challenges of climate change, water scarcity, or drug abuse. “This is a shared journey. Every citizen, every village, every youth must come forward. Let’s pledge to save water, honor our land, and ensure a healthier Punjab for generations to come.”
The ceremony closed with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Sant Baba Seechewal, who welcomed dignitaries and emphasized the need to sustain momentum in environmental restoration. As the Kali Bein flowed gently in the background—once polluted, now pristine—it stood as a living testament to what vision, community spirit, and political will can achieve.
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