The North News
Chandigarh, June 5
Punjab’s Local Government and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Dr Ravjot Singh, has appealed to the public to adopt eco-friendly practices and “shun plastic use” to combat environmental degradation, marking the occasion of World Environment Day. Speaking at a state-level event organised by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment at the Indian School of Business in Mohali, Dr Singh said the Bhagwant Mann-led state government is committed to making Punjab one of India’s healthiest and greenest states.
He reiterated the state’s ban on single-use plastic (SUP), extending to its manufacturing, import, stocking, distribution, and sale, and called for strict enforcement. “We must embrace alternatives that are biodegradable and safe for nature,” he said.
Calling for environmental consciousness rooted in tradition, Dr Singh invoked the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, urging people to see air, water and earth as sacred and protect nature with compassion. The Minister launched a new awareness campaign promoting tree plantation and distributed saplings to attendees. He also released grants worth ₹8.10 crore to support eco-restoration projects and inaugurated two research laboratories at the Punjab Biotechnology Incubator.
During the event, several publications were unveiled, including Phenomenological Wonder of Nature in Gurbani and a Bilingual Encyclopedia Dictionary of Environment and Climate Change. A technical report on Punjab’s path to net-zero emissions, co-authored by PSCST and the US-based Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development, was also released.
Four organisations were honoured with the 2025 edition of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award. Winners included Gram Panchayat Jangirana (Bathinda), Government High School Malkon (Mansa), Green Planet Society (Zirakpur), and Natraj Wooltex Ltd (Amritsar). Each award carried a ₹1 lakh cash prize, a certificate of appreciation, and a silver memento.
In addition, eight grassroots innovators were recognised for developing indigenous, low-cost technologies. Government Senior Secondary School, Kot Khalsa, Amritsar, was also lauded for winning the prestigious 2024 Wipro Earthian Award. Rajya Sabha MP and Padma Shri awardee Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, a prominent environmentalist, echoed concerns over global ecological decline. He cited successful river-cleaning efforts in Punjab—such as Budha Nullah and Kali Bein—as examples of what committed public and governmental collaboration can achieve.
Also present were senior state officials, environmental experts, and members of civil society, reinforcing a message of collective responsibility in addressing Punjab’s environmental challenges.
