The Bharat Jan Gyan Vigyan Jatha,Ludhiana (BJGVJ),has expressed concern at felling of lakhs of trees for the six laning of the NH-1 and has demanded plantation of three times more trees to safeguard the environment. BJGVJ,in coordination with the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development,Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Department,ended the weeklong environment-related celebrations on Monday,which had begun on June 5,the World Environment Day. The function began by remembering the victims of Bhopal gas tragedy. The speakers demanded that the case be prepared for an appeal against the judgment. They said environment promotion activity begins from home,but there has to be a global outlook. BJGVJ president Major Sher Singh Auluck said it required individual efforts to make effective and serious changed,otherwise life on earth would face serious consequences. General Secretary Dr Arun Mitra said an American citizen,due to his/her lavish lifestyle,puts 36 times more load on environment as compared to an average Indian. Even though the US is the biggest polluter,they are not ready to share their responsibility and are backing out of the international agreements,including the very important Kyoto Protocol, he said. Dr Rajinder Pal Singh explained at length the problems in agriculture,particularly the genetically modified terminator seeds. He cautioned the people about the danger of falling water level and asked them to adopt new methods in agriculture. Kusum Lata gave demonstration on detection of adulteration in food. Dr Narjit Kaur spoke of hygiene and health. Joint Commissioner Shri B K Gupta lauded the Jatha for its activities and cautioned people against indiscriminate use of plastic bags. SDO,Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Department,Tarsem Singh,said there were three highly efficient sewerage treatment plants installed in the city. Anupam Nanda,in charge,PEDA called upon the people to use solar energy. Dr G P Mangla,Epidemiologist,explained the measures to prevent diseases in rainy season. A play on environment,Dharti Di Pukar,was presented by students of Government Sr Sec School,Kheri Jhameri. The play was directed by Karamjit Singh. Sham Sunder Juneja and Sukhdev Singh gave information on traffic management. Students were given awards and presented certificates. Saplings were planted in the Rose Garden.
