Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday paid obeisance at Village Seechewal during the 38th Salana Barsi Samagam (death anniversary) of Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji and projected a confident vision of a resurgent and self-reliant Punjab, as he inaugurated a new astroturf at the Sant Avtar Singh Memorial Hockey Stadium alongside Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal.
Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government’s aggressive push on sports infrastructure, irrigation, groundwater recharge and public welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Government had delivered 21,000 cusecs of water to fields, equivalent to two Bhakra canals, while sustained environmental efforts had helped recharge 21 lakh cubic metres of groundwater, leading to a rise of 2 to 4 metres in the water table in several areas. Emphasising that Punjab is witnessing rapid transformation through world-class Government schools, hospitals, roads and sporting facilities, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that the colours of a vibrant “Rangla Punjab” have now started emerging across the state.
Addressing a massive gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The state government is leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause and people should support the government by planting more and more trees. I am always keen on meeting religious and spiritual leaders because their work is never related to worldly power or official posts. They focus on building roads leading to religious places, constructing sheds for congregations, arranging langars for devotees, cleaning canals and water streams, protecting the environment and serving humanity selflessly. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that renowned environmentalist and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Ji Seechewal has become synonymous with the ‘Seechewal Model’.”
The Chief Minister shared, “The state government is also working to revive Buddha Dariya and restore clean water flow there to benefit people in a major way. Punjab used 96% canal water this year through an improved irrigation system, which immensely benefited farmers, whereas earlier this water was wasted. The Punjab Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipes and watercourses across the state to help farmers in every nook and corner.”
He stated, “A total of 21,000 cusecs of water has been released through these pipelines and watercourses to fulfil irrigation needs. This amount of water is more than the supply from two Bhakra canals and farmers will benefit immensely from it. Recharge points have also been created in canals and rivers, due to which groundwater levels have risen by two to four metres.”
Paying tributes to Sant Baba Avatar Singh Ji, he stated, “Sant Baba ji rendered invaluable services for the promotion of Sikhism and spread the message of love, compassion and brotherhood as preached by our great Gurus not only in Punjab but across the country and the world. Baba ji was a pious soul who redeemed mankind from sorrow and agony by inspiring people to walk on the path of spirituality. He will always be remembered for his humility and benevolence.”
Sharing a few snippets from the occasion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today, I had the privilege of paying obeisance at Village Seechewal on the occasion of the 38th death anniversary of Sant Baba Avtar Singh Ji. On this occasion, along with Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji, I inaugurated the new astroturf at the ‘Sant Avtar Singh Memorial Hockey Stadium’. I wholeheartedly salute the selfless service being carried out by Sant Ji for environmental conservation. The AAP Government is fully committed to ensuring a safe and prosperous life for the people of Punjab and to rebuilding a vibrant and flourishing ‘Rangla Punjab’.”