MLA Dhaliwal urges residents to reduce plastic use

Voicing concern over the deteriorating environmental balance due to rampant tree felling, Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal called upon residents to actively contribute towards environmental preservation. He was speaking at a plantation drive organised under the campaign titled, “Ik Boota Maa De Naam” (One Plant in Mother’s Name) in the nearby village of Sapror.

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The event was jointly organised by Sarb Navjawan Sabha and Sarb Navjawan Welfare Society, in collaboration with My Bharat, Kapurthala, and the Forest Department, Phagwara. Led by Sabha president Sukhwinder Singh, the initiative saw saplings of various native species being planted to mark Van Mahotsav, the annual tree plantation festival.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Dhaliwal emphasised that planting trees, conserving groundwater and reducing pollution are urgent needs of the time. “The unregulated felling of trees is severely disturbing the ecological balance of the planet. If we do not act now, future generations will have to face serious consequences,” he said pointing out how increasing temperatures, extreme weather patterns and landslides in hilly regions are direct indicators of the climate crisis. He also urged the public to minimise the use of plastic and pledged support for making Phagwara greener.

Congress city president Taranjit Singh Bunty Walia, who also participated in the event, stressed the need for collective efforts to restore Punjab’s identity as “Rangla Punjab”. He highlighted the importance of preserving traditional tree species such as Banyan (Bohar), Peepal, Kikar and Tahli, asserting that the well-being of future generations depends on a green and healthy environment.

Social worker Madan Lal Korotania echoed these sentiments, expressing grave concern over the rapidly depleting groundwater levels in Punjab. He warned that if the trend continues unchecked, the fertile state could soon face desertification. “Saving water and planting trees must be treated as a shared responsibility,” he said, calling for urgent and united action.

Sukhwinder Singh, president of the Sabha, shared that the event aimed to spread awareness about environmental protection and the reduction of plastic use. He also mentioned the organisation’s annual campaign, “Aao Ral Ke Rukh Lagaiye, Jinne Laaiye, Unhne Bachaiye” (Let’s Plant Trees Together and Protect Them Too), which encourages mass tree planting and care.

The event concluded with the felicitation of MLA Dhaliwal and city president Bunty Walia by the Sabha and the Society. The proceedings were conducted by Harjinder Gogna, who skillfully anchored the stage.