Noted environmentalist Padamshree Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal today called on the Local Government Minister, Punjab, Navjot Singh Sidhu here at Punjab Municipal Bhawan as part of a twin purpose to operate closed sewerage treatment plants in the state as well as making the sewerage water fit for irrigational needs. On the occasion, Kuljit Singh Nagra, MLA, the Advisor of the Department Dr. Amar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Satish Chandra and Director Mr. K.K. Yadav were also present.During the course of the meeting, Mr. Sidhu expressed his keen desire to operate the closed 65 sewerage treatment plants across Punjab taking cue from the model adopted by Baba Seechewal as per which a sewerage treatment plant is being run at Dasuha at a cost of mere Rs. 12 lakh and the water so treated is being used for the purpose of irrigating the fields. The minister further said that it is a need of the hour to make the water in these 65 plants absolutely fit for irrigation. On his part, Baba Seechewal assured every kind of assistance with regard to the project.The minister also divulged that the cost of the closed 65 sewerage treatment plants in the state amounts to Rs. 1300 crore as of now and the State Government is fully committed and duty bound to ensure their running in an efficient manner.At this juncture, Baba Seechewal brought to the notice of the minister towards the issue of sewerage water polluting the holy water at Kiratpur Sahib and the need for its redressal.
The minister taking prompt action in this regard decided to pay a visit to Kiratpur Sahib along with Baba Seechewal on 5th August and said that the inflow of polluted water would be stopped and matter would be taken up with the concerned Deputy Commissioner for allotting a suitable place for establishing sewerage treatment plant. During the impending visit, Deputy Commissioner and officials of Irrigation Department would also be instructed to be present.Mr. Sidhu also told Baba Seechewal that keeping in view the 550th Prakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji falling in the year 2019, the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh is taking special interest in the beautification of Sultanpur Lodhi and celebrating the occasion in a grand manner. He also disclosed that he would also visit Sultanpur Lodhi on 5th August and take stock of the development works needing urgent attention the report of which would be sent to the Chief Minister.During the meeting, the minister also discussed at length with Baba Seechewal the project of cleaning Budha Nala and elaborated that a proof of concept with the aid of plasma technology has been prepared for the purpose. He also expressed his desire to Baba Seechewal to be a guiding light for the Punjab Government in cleaning project of Budha Nala.Describing the meeting as very constructive and fruitful, Baba Seechewal assured every help in the furtherance of dynamic initiatives being undertaken by Mr. Sidhu.