DW BUREAU / Seechewal (Jalandhar) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday gave clarion call for launching a mass movement to save water and environment in the state. The Chief Minister, who was here to participate in a function to mark 34th death anniversary of Sant Avtar Singh here today, expressed deep concern over the depleting ground water table and polluting environment in the state. He said that immediate remedial steps are required to save the only precious and scarce natural resource of Punjab viz the water and check environmental pollution. Bhagwant Mann said that this cannot be done by the government alone but people's participation is must by launching a vigorous mass awareness campaign to sensitise them about its significance especially in wake global warming. Showing deep concern over the gravity of emerging situation following the fast depleting water table, the Chief Minister said almost all the blocks in the state are in dark zone as far as the ground water is concerned. Bhagwant Mann said that it is really pathetic to learn that the same high powered motors that are used to extract oil in Dubai and other Arab nations are being used for gushing out ground water in the state. He said that reckless trend needs to be checked immediately so that our future generations do-not have to strive for water. The Chief Minister further said that on its part the state government is trying to ensure optimum utilisation of surface water in the state for reducing pressure on ground water. Likewise, he said that this year the state government has incentivised Direct Sowing of Rice (DSR) due to 20 lakh acres of the state are expected to be cultivated under it, which will save the water. Bhagwant Mann also said that in another noble initiative the state government has given MSP on Moong to drift away the farmers from wheat paddy circle and save the water through crop diversification. Pointing out further, the Chief Minister further said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for saving water and making Punjab clean, green and pollution free. On an issue flagged by Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Bhagwant Mann said that he will raise the matter related to desilting of Gidderpindi Railway Bridge with the Union Railways Minister. He said that the deposit of silt under the bridge has been creating havoc with life and property of people by flooding the region after short span. Quoting verse 'Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat' from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. However, he said that we have deceived our great Gurus by polluting all these three. Bhagwant Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring pristine glory of state. Paying tributes to Sant Avtar Singh ji, the Chief Minister lauded his contribution in creating awareness for saving environment. He said that Sant Avtar Singh ji was a great religious leader and a social reformer. Bhagwant Mann said that he is fortunate to have got opportunity to participate in this event. Lauding the marvellous services rendered by Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, the Chief Minister said that Baba ji had ushered a new revolution for saving environment through his dedication and commitment. He said that the life of Sant Seechewal will ever remain inspiration for all of us in coming times. Bhagwant Mann urged Sant Seechewal to continue this great work with same missionary zeal. Earlier, the Chief Minister also planted a sapling in the Nirmal Kutia. Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister A Venu Prasad, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, Deputy Inspector General of Police S Boopathi, Senior Superintendent of Police Swapan Sharma and others. On the occasion MLAs Balkar Singh, Raman Arora and Sheetal Angural, former Punjab Minister Joginder Singh Mann, President Women's Wing Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, AAP leaders Sajjan Singh Cheema, Rattan Singh Kakkar Kalan, Dinesh Dhall and others were also present. (editor@dailyworld.in)