CM exhorts people to transform plantation drive into a mass movement

Hoshiarpur: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday gave clarion call to the people for transforming the plantation drive into a mass movement for checking the environmental pollution on one hand and enhancing the green cover of the state on other.

Addressing the gathering during a state level function to mark Van Mahautsav here today, the Chief Minister said that this is a unique initiative aimed at enhancing the green cover across the state. Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. He said that during those times there were no industrial units who were polluting the environment but it was the farsightedness of Great Gurus aimed at checking the pollution.

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the need of hour so as to transform the plantation drive into a mass movement to benefit the people.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is the first state in the country to launch the carbon credit scheme to preserve the environment and check global warming. He said that this project has been launched in the state with the help of TERI and as pilot project 3686 farmers from across the state will be disbursed Rs 45 crore in four instalments. Bhagwant Singh Mann also distributed cheques worth Rs 1.75 crore to 818 farmers of the Hoshiarpur district as first instalment of this ambitious scheme.

The Chief Minister said these funds will be transferred to the farmers through the Direct Benefit Scheme besides playing an active role in checking environmental pollution. He envisioned that this scheme will act as a pivotal for reducing the effects of Greenhouse gases adding that this is based on the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ where polluters compensate the organisations/ farmers working for reducing carbon emission. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the saplings planted by farmers play a pivotal role in reducing environmental pollution so they can be eligible beneficiaries of this scheme.

The Chief Minister said that by the reckless cutting of trees human beings have created havoc with nature. He said that owing to this only we are witnessing a lot of natural fury across the country adding that the only solution for this is to plant more and more trees. Bhagwant Singh Mann advised the farmers that every food grower who is getting free power must plant atleast four trees in his farms adding that if needed this will be given a shape of law to save the coming generations.

The Chief Minister said that at the time he assumed the charge of office only 21% canal water was being used. However, he said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that today 72% of the canal water is being used for irrigation purposes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that New Kandi Canal is being constructed which is likely to benefit 11,000 acres of land adding that 206 MegaWatt Dam is being established at Dhar Kalan.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has taken exemplary initiatives for the well being of the state and its people. He said that for the first time in the post-independence era his government has started the work for construction of Malwa canal in the state adding that it is on record that none of the previous governments of the state had paid heed towards this necessity of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that this around 150 kilometre long new canal will usher a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity in the state especially in Malwa region adding that the state government will spend around Rs 2300 crore on this prestigious project that will cater to irrigational needs of nearly two lakh acres of fertile land of the state.

Training his guns against SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Chief Minister said that the former Deputy Chief Minister is trying to mislead the people through his political gimmicks. He quipped that the scion of Badal family is now seeking pardon for his actions but he should remember one thing that apology may be given for the misdeeds but sins are unpardonable. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Badal family has committed heinous sins against the state and its people which can never be forgiven.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is gathering evidence about the sacrilege incident adding that the real culprit of this crime will be behind the bars soon. Training his guns against the rebel Akali leadership, he said that these leaders are now shedding crocodile tears over the issue whereas they were part and parcel of the Badal family during these sins. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders cannot absolve them from the sin merely by issuing statements now.

The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when the government was run from the offices in Chandigarh adding that for saving time, money and energy of people, the sovereign masters of state, now the government is being run from the villages and towns. He said that the state government has already launched its flagship scheme of Sarkar Tuhaade Dwaar under which village level camps are being organised to offer citizen centric services to people at their doorsteps. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that more such pro-people initiatives will be taken in the coming days for the welfare of people.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Bram Shanker Jimpa and Lal Chand Kataruchak, Lok Sabha MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal and others were also present.