‘BHAGWAN’: A mission to restore Phagwara’s green soul, reconnect with nature

In an era where clean air, pure water and unadulterated food — the basic pillars of human survival — are becoming increasingly scarce, initiatives rooted in genuine environmental concern stand out as beacons of hope.

One such effort is the Phagwara Environment Association, a non-governmental organisation founded with the aim of reclaiming and preserving the city’s ecological balance.

Guided by the acronym “BHAGWAN” — representing Bhumi (Earth), Gagan (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire) and Neer (Water) — the Association has remained steadfast in its mission for over three decades.

The seeds of this environmental movement were sown in 1992, when a group of environmentally conscious citizens, led by noted ophthalmologist and social activist Late Dr Amarjit Chawser, came together to form the Phagwara Environment Association. At a time when environmental issues rarely figured in civic discussions, this group decided to take action instead of waiting for institutional change.

The Association was later registered as an NGO, with a clear focus on greening the city, reducing pollution, and creating public awareness — particularly among the youth — about the importance of sustainability.

From the outset, plantation drives were central to the Association’s strategy. The initial focus was on planting trees in areas that had never seen greenery before, including upscale neighbourhoods that lacked even a single tree. Over the years, these areas have transformed into green corridors, thanks to sustained efforts by the Association, supported by the Municipal Corporation, Forest Department, and other civic agencies.

Among its most celebrated initiatives is the annual three-day Environmental Fair, now a key event in the city’s calendar. The fair has expanded in scale and influence, attracting participation not just from Phagwara but from across Punjab.

To deepen its outreach, the Association also publishes a quarterly magazine titled Environment News, edited by acclaimed writer Gurmeet Singh Palahi. The magazine addresses a wide spectrum of environmental topics including air and water pollution, ecological degradation, and emerging green technologies, offering both insight and practical guidance.

Another important facet of the Association’s work is its strong focus on school and college outreach. Students form the backbone of most awareness drives, with over 150 such drives and more than 100 educational seminars held so far.

Each year, the Association plants and distributes over 10,000 saplings free of cost to citizens. During the annual Van Mahotsav, held in July and August, it collaborates with educational institutions and civic bodies to ensure mass-scale plantation. These efforts extend to greening and beautifying the city’s approach roads, adding both ecological and visual value to Phagwara’s urban landscape.

Beyond planting, the Association currently maintains 15 of the city’s 100 parks in partnership with the Municipal Corporation and other organisations. These parks serve not only as green spaces but also as community hubs that promote healthy living and environmental learning.

Significantly, the Association marks every key environment-related international day — including Earth Day, Environment Day, and Ozone Day — through city-wide awareness campaigns and public events. These occasions are used not just for celebration but for civic mobilisation, policy dialogue and deeper engagement with environmental issues.

The organisation is led by a committed team including K.K. Sardana (President), Malkeet Singh Raghbotra (General Secretary), Gurmeet Singh Palahi (Editor & Member), Harbans Lal, and several other active members.

Under their leadership, the Association has also submitted proposals to the state government for solar-powered urban infrastructure, such as solar street lights, garden lamps, and rainwater harvesting units for public parks—initiatives that, if implemented, could serve as sustainable urban models.

The Phagwara Environment Association believes environmentalism is not a trend, but a duty. Its guiding principle, BHAGWAN, is not just an acronym, but a spiritual and ecological call to action, honouring nature’s five fundamental elements.