AARISH CHHABRA: What contribution are you making in such cases? Also, many new thermal power plants are coming up in the region. How will these affect the region?
Baba Seechewal:We have been putting in the best of efforts to make the world aware of the issue of pollution and how the affected are suffering. We are taking intellectuals, mediapersons, doctors and NGOs to these places so that they get to see for themselves how bad conditions are. The health department exists just in name and administration is a mute spectator. Punjab is the food bowl of India, the crowning jewel. Even two decades of terrorism could not deter the spirit of this land of martyrs, but those polluting the state are affecting the very spirit of Punjabis.

RAJNI SHALEEN CHOPRA: How can those living in urban areas join your movement and contribute to the cause?
Baba Seechewal: The best contribution will be to start from your own home. If we keep our surroundings clean, we are doing a big favour to the environment. The objective is to create awareness for the welfare of the nature, be it in any way. It then spreads to the community and the region and the country.

GAUTAM DHEER: How do you generate funds for the cause?
Baba Seechewal: A large part of our work is done through voluntary service or kar sewa. We make no payment for it and villagers and volunteers do not expect any either. In fact the villagers organise free langar and bring food from home. Youth and children also join in large numbers. However, we still need funds to purchase and operate big machines and for that we try to get help from non-resident Indians. We welcome such donations and are grateful to all those who have lent us a hand.

... contd.