Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, during an event marking the 25th anniversary of the cleaning of the sacred Kali Bein, called on citizens to pledge their commitment to halting groundwater depletion and curbing environmental pollution. Despite Punjab’s identity as the land of rivers, he highlighted the state’s ongoing water crisis and stressed the urgent need for conservation.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann shared that since taking office, his government has rejuvenated nearly 16,000 water channels across the state, extending irrigation even to remote areas. When he assumed office, just 21% of canal water was used for irrigation; that figure has now risen to 63%. He appealed to the people to support the government’s efforts and turn the conservation movement into a mass initiative through active public involvement.
Quoting Gurbani, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reminded the audience of the spiritual importance of air, water, and land, comparing them to a teacher, father, and mother respectively. He lamented the widespread pollution of all three and urged everyone to embrace the teachings of the Gurus to restore Punjab’s ecological and moral balance.
CM Bhagwant Singh expressed his gratitude for visiting the revered site of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s early spiritual journey, where the Mool Mantar was first recited. He reflected on the historic contribution of the community in cleansing the 165-kilometre-long Kali Bein, calling it a globally significant act of environmental service. He praised Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for initiating this voluntary effort in July 2000 and acknowledged his ongoing role as a Rajya Sabha MP championing water protection.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state and Baba Seechewal are now focused on rejuvenating Buddha Dariya (formerly Buddha Nallah), expressing optimism that it too would soon be fully restored. He further mentioned that significant development projects are underway to enhance Sultanpur Lodhi, the sacred city associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and assured timely completion of these initiatives.
He emphasized that the Kali Bein anniversary isn’t just a celebration but a call to action—aimed at increasing awareness about protecting nature for future generations. He called on citizens to take ownership of environmental protection as a collective responsibility.
Addressing broader governance efforts, the CM mentioned the recent introduction of the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in the state assembly. He called it a vital step in protecting religious sentiments and deterring sacrilegious acts that threaten Punjab’s peace and unity. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann condemned attempts by disruptive elements to divide society through such acts and reiterated his government’s resolve to deliver strict punishment to the guilty.
Highlighting major welfare schemes,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann spoke of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, under which every resident household in Punjab receives up to ₹10 lakh in cashless medical treatment. He proudly said Punjab is the first state in India to implement such universal healthcare coverage, providing financial relief and quality healthcare to all.
Speaking on the issue of drugs, the Chief Minister noted that Punjab’s image had suffered due to widespread drug abuse. His government, he said, is taking a comprehensive approach by cracking down on supply chains, arresting key offenders, rehabilitating victims, and confiscating assets of smugglers. He mentioned the “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, where village panchayats are passing resolutions to declare themselves drug-free zones.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal welcomed all attendees and dignitaries.