Need to protect India's rivers: Punjab MP Sant Seechewal
New Delhi, Aug 5
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal on Wednesday stressed the need to protect the country's rivers and natural water resources.
Speaking during a Special Mention in the House, he said that unless illegal encroachments on rivers, streams, seasonal rivulets, drains, lakes and other natural water bodies are removed without delay, the consequences would be disastrous for the environment, agriculture and future generations.
He urged both the Central and state governments to strictly implement the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and launch a concerted drive to free rivers and water bodies from illegal encroachments.
Sant Seechewal said rivers are not merely sources of water but the very foundation of India's civilisation, agriculture, environment and human life. However, in many parts of the country, rivers, wetlands, floodplains and natural waterways have been extensively encroached upon, obstructing the natural flow of water and significantly increasing the risk of floods.
Referring to Punjab, he pointed out that illegal encroachments on several rivers, seasonal streams, drains and other natural water channels have severely hampered the drainage of floodwaters. This, he said, poses a serious threat to both human life and property while causing irreversible environmental degradation.
He informed the House that the NGT, through several of its judgments, has categorically held that illegal constructions and encroachments on river floodplains and natural waterways cannot be permitted. Blocking the natural course of rivers, he said, is a direct assault on the environment and public welfare.
He further stated that Article 48A of the Constitution of India places a duty upon the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests. At the same time, Article 51A (G) makes it the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and preserve the natural environment.
"A river never dies alone; with it, the entire fabric of nature perishes. If we fail to free our rivers from illegal encroachments today, future generations will never forgive us," he said.
Sant Seechewal urged the government to launch a time-bound nationwide campaign to remove illegal encroachments from rivers, streams, drains and other natural water bodies, while ensuring the strict implementation of all NGT directions.
He also called upon social and religious organisations, environmental groups and the public to join hands in building a nationwide people's movement for the protection and restoration of India's rivers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The NGT has given so many orders but who implements them? State governments are scared of removing encroachments because of vote bank politics. At some point, we need to realize that rivers aren't just for us - they're for the next generations too. Sant Seechewal is absolutely right - a river never dies alone.
The flood situation in Punjab during monsoon is getting worse every year because of illegal constructions blocking natural drainage. Our farmers are suffering, crops are getting destroyed, and nobody takes responsibility. This isn't just an environmental issue, it's a livelihood issue for millions.
I applaud the MP for raising this issue. However, I'd like to point out that we need a comprehensive approach that includes both removing encroachments and creating affordable housing alternatives for those displaced. Simply dismantling settlements without alternatives will create more problems. But yes, the priority must be river restoration.
As someone who lost their childhood home to floods in Kerala, this really resonates. Rivers have been our lifeline for centuries, and we've betrayed them with our greed. The government needs to act now, not just talk. Also, social organizations and religious groups can really help build awareness - just like Sant Seechewal mentioned. 🌊
It's easy to raise the issue in Parliament but difficult to implement on ground. I've seen how powerful builders have encroached on riverbeds in major cities and nothing happens to them. Unless the government shows strong political will and takes uniform action across all states, these NGT orders will remain just documents.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.