NGT official Dr Afroz Ahmad lauds global recognition of Kali Bein revival efforts
With a powerful call to protect air, water and the planet, the four-day celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the voluntary environmental campaign for the sacred Kali Bein have begun. Organised under the leadership of Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal at Nirmal Kutia, Sultanpur Lodhi, the event was inaugurated with the “Environmental Conference 2025” on the opening day.
The conference began with speakers expressing grave concern over how rivers across India have deteriorated into polluted drains. Dr Afroz Ahmad, member of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), attended as the chief guest and lauded the sustained efforts of Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, who, with the support of devotees, has successfully cleaned a 165-kilometre stretch of the Kali Bein over the past 25 years.
Dr Afroz stated that the “Seechewal Model” is now cited in NGT rulings related to water conservation. He pointed out that in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where river systems were nearly wiped out due to encroachments, the NGT has stepped in to order their restoration. He emphasised that industries such as paper mills and sugar mills remain major polluters of rivers and streams.
He further remarked that Sant Seechewal’s revival of the Kali Bein through voluntary service is being recognised on a global scale, calling it a “service to safeguard future generations.” Dr Afroz expressed confidence that the rejuvenated Kali Bein will one day find a prominent place on the global environmental map.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, said that the campaign for Kali Bein’s revival represents more than physical cleaning—it symbolises a deep environmental and spiritual awakening. He highlighted how this initiative has helped Punjab gain a distinct identity worldwide.
Dr Gosal also raised concerns over rising pollution levels, stating that even indoor air quality has deteriorated significantly. He advised the use of specific indoor plants to improve air quality within homes and buildings.
Addressing the gathering, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal emphasised that the primary aim of the conference is to explore ways to reduce the accelerating pace of global warming. He noted that this should be taken as a warning signal that society has yet to fully understand. Criticising administrative inaction, he remarked that had authorities fulfilled their duties, such commemorations would not have been necessary. Quoting Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he said Gurbani already offers simple and complete solutions to environmental issues—it is now up to society to follow them.
Prominent attendees included Sant Sukhjit Singh, ADC Varinder Walia, Begum Sadia, Surjit Singh Shanti, Nirmal Singh Numberdar, Paramjit Singh Mansa, SDM Alka Kalia, DSP Hargurdev, senior journalist Roshan Khehra, Dr. Aasa Singh Ghumman, staff members of Sant Avtar Singh Memorial School and College, and a large number of devotees.
Jalandhar