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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vows to make the state 'clean, green and pollution free'. The CM on Thursday, being loud and clear about the motive, asked to launch a crusade to check environmental pollution and preserve natural resources.

 

"We have to launch a mass movement for safeguarding our environment so that it can be saved for our coming generations," said Mann.

 

He made this assertion while addressing the 78th Independence Day celebrations, after hoisting the national flag.

 

Mann acknowledged the significant contributions of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle and their role in preserving the country's unity and sovereignty.

 

He highlighted the pivotal role of Punjab's farmers in heralding the green revolution, making India self-sufficient in food production. However, he noted that this progress came at a cost, with the over-exploitation of the state's natural resources.

 

The Chief Minister stressed that Punjab's prosperity is crucial for the country's progress, saying that combating environmental pollution is a pressing challenge, requiring proactive efforts from all Punjabis. Mann invoked the teachings of 'Gurbani' to inspire action towards restoring the state's pristine glory.

 

Mann also highlighted the achievements of Punjabi farmers, who have enabled the country to export grains to other nations, a stark contrast to the early 1960s when India relied on imports. He urged collective action to address environmental pollution, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach.

 

The chief minister also said the state government has launched a crackdown against the menace of drugs by adopting a zero-tolerance policy against it.

 

He said that so far 14,381 drug peddlers have been put behind bars and 10,393 FIRs have been launched against them, adding that properties worth Rs 173 crore belonging to 379 drug smugglers have been confiscated and more are in process.

 

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the conviction rate against drug peddlers is 83 per cent, he said.