New Delhi, Aug 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal on Wednesday stressed the need to protect the country’s rivers and natural water resources.
Speaking during a Special Mention in the House, he said that unless illegal encroachments on rivers, streams, seasonal rivulets, drains, lakes and other natural water bodies are removed without delay, the consequences would be disastrous for the environment, agriculture and future generations.
He urged both the Central and state governments to strictly implement the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and launch a concerted drive to free rivers and water bodies from illegal encroachments.
Sant Seechewal said rivers are not merely sources of water but the very foundation of India’s civilisation, agriculture, environment and human life. However, in many parts of the country, rivers, wetlands, floodplains and natural waterways have been extensively encroached upon, obstructing the natural flow of water and significantly increasing the risk of floods.
Referring to Punjab, he pointed out that illegal encroachments on several rivers, seasonal streams, drains and other natural water channels have severely hampered the drainage of floodwaters. This, he said, poses a serious threat to both human life and property while causing irreversible environmental degradation.
He informed the House that the NGT, through several of its judgments, has categorically held that illegal constructions and encroachments on river floodplains and natural waterways cannot be permitted. Blocking the natural course of rivers, he said, is a direct assault on the environment and public welfare.
He further stated that Article 48A of the Constitution of India places a duty upon the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests. At the same time, Article 51A (G) makes it the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and preserve the natural environment.
“A river never dies alone; with it, the entire fabric of nature perishes. If we fail to free our rivers from illegal encroachments today, future generations will never forgive us,” he said.
Sant Seechewal urged the government to launch a time-bound nationwide campaign to remove illegal encroachments from rivers, streams, drains and other natural water bodies, while ensuring the strict implementation of all NGT directions.
He also called upon social and religious organisations, environmental groups and the public to join hands in building a nationwide people’s movement for the protection and restoration of India’s rivers.
Source: IANS
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