Calling clean environment and equal access to natural resources a ‘fundamental human right’, Justice Dr Afroz Ahmed, a member of the National Green Tribunal, New Delhi, said that there is no bigger wealth than environment. “Ecology and economics, both are required for progress of the nation, of a generation. There must be equity in access to natural resources like water, air and it’s a basic human right to get clean air and water and food,” he said during his address.

Dr Afroz Ahmed was speaking at the day-long conference on sustainable environment strategies and mitigation of climate change crisis at Hindu College, hosted to mark its centenary year celebrations. The event invited scientists, academicians, experts and renowned environmentalist including Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal, Member Rajya Sabha, Baba Sewa Singh Khadoor Sahib; Dr Inderjit Kaur from All India Pingalwara Charitable Society and Punjab Pollution Control Board Chairman, Dr Adarsh Pal Vig. The speakers deliberated on the strategies for sustainable development and natural resource conservation.

PPCB Chairman Dr Adarsh Pal Vig said that development must be mindful of the impact on natural resources and environment while dwelling at length to fine solution to the depleting water resources, rising air pollution and revival of rivers and canals besides planting more trees for a natural habitat. He said that people need to practice self-regulation in terms of environment conservation while adopting sustainable habits.

Former Agriculture Secretary Kahan Singh Pannu delivered the keynote address with detailed presentation on depleting groundwater level besides developing hi-tech agriculture equipment, direct bed seeders for saving water during cultivation of crops. He stressed on diversification of crops, particularly in Punjab, for giving economically viable opportunities to the farmers to get out of wheat and paddy cycle pattern. He also suggested opening of export trade for our traditional vegetables, fruits, dairy products etc. through Amritsar International Airport by setting up cold chain, packing houses and other infrastructure at the cargo terminal.

Envirnment experts from Germany Dr Mark Frenzel from the Department of Community Ecology, Dr B Ravindran, Associate Professor, Department of Environment, Republic of Korea and several prominent scientist presented their papers during the conference.

Meanwhile, the NGT member appreciated the efforts of the district administration made for environmental conservation and expressed concern over the excessive use of fertilisers, which is contaminating groundwater. He warned that due to water misuse, groundwater level is depleting which could lead to severe challenges in the future.

During the meeting, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Amit Sareen provided updates on the functioning of three sewage treatment plants (STPs) within the Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction, including a 95 MLD plant in the northern and southern zones and a 97.5 MLD plant in the south-eastern zone. He further informed that STPs in Majitha, Jandiala, Rayya, Rajasansi and Ramdas are also set to commence operations soon. He highlighted that in the 165 wards across municipal corporations, councils and panchayats, door-to-door waste collection is being ensured for 264,063 households, covering a total population of 1,488,668.

The ADC assured the NGT member that all directives given during the meeting would be implemented to enhance efforts for environmental conservation in the district. She mentioned initiatives such as large-scale plantation drives, awareness programmes on noise pollution reduction and educating students about water conservation as key steps toward a cleaner environment.