Amritsar (Suraj Kamlesh): A World Environment Day Seminar organized by the Municipal Corporation highlighted the urgent need for environmental protection and water conservation.
The event took place at Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology under the leadership of Director Dr. Manju Bala. Students, environmental experts, and civic officials participated in the seminar.
Moreover, the program focused on groundwater depletion, pollution, and sustainable resource management.
Additional Commissioner Stresses Shared Responsibility
Addressing the World Environment Day Seminar, Dr. Jai Inder Singh said that protecting the environment and conserving water are shared responsibilities.
He explained that Punjab’s groundwater level is declining rapidly. Furthermore, he noted that the city’s water supply still depends heavily on groundwater resources.
Therefore, the Municipal Corporation has started a canal water supply project. The administration plans to begin supplying canal water to the city soon.
Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Project Gains Momentum
During the World Environment Day Seminar, Project Supervising Engineer Dr. Jitin Vasudeva shared details about the water supply initiative.
He said that authorities have declared all ten blocks of Amritsar district as dark zones. In addition, groundwater consumption in the city’s urban areas has exceeded 300 percent.
As a result, officials launched the Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Project to ensure a reliable supply of clean water.
Furthermore, the project will provide residents with water that meets IS 10500:2012 quality standards. Consequently, citizens will receive a safer and more sustainable water supply in the future.
Expert Warns About Pollution and Climate Change
The World Environment Day Seminar also featured environmental expert Dr. Ajay Kumar from the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
He said that human activities are harming the environment on a large scale. Moreover, he explained that environmental damage affects public health in addition to causing climate change and global warming.
According to him, nearly 76 percent of India’s population faces the impact of air pollution. Furthermore, air pollution contributes to approximately 1.7 million deaths annually in the country.
Therefore, governments, institutions, and citizens must take stronger measures to reduce pollution levels.
Plastic Pollution Emerging as a Major Threat
During the World Environment Day Seminar, Dr. Ajay Kumar also raised concerns about plastic pollution.
He said that the growing use of plastic and improper waste disposal have become major environmental challenges. Moreover, studies suggest that oceans could contain more plastic than fish by 2050 if current trends continue.
In addition, researchers have detected tiny plastic particles in human blood. Consequently, scientists now consider plastic pollution a serious threat to human health.
Therefore, reducing plastic consumption and improving waste management have become urgent priorities.
Call for Year-Round Environmental Action
Punjab Municipal Services Improvement Project Manager Kuldeep Singh Saini thanked the speakers and participants for supporting the World Environment Day Seminar.
He emphasized that environmental protection should not remain limited to a single day. Instead, individuals and organizations should work throughout the year to protect natural resources and preserve the planet.
Likewise, he encouraged students to play an active role in promoting sustainable practices.
Conclusion
The World Environment Day Seminar in Amritsar successfully raised awareness about groundwater depletion, pollution, climate change, and water conservation.
Moreover, experts highlighted the importance of immediate action to address environmental challenges. Therefore, collective efforts from governments, institutions, and citizens will remain essential for building a sustainable future.
Key Points of the news:
- World Environment Day Seminar was organized at Khalsa College of Engineering and Technology.
- Officials highlighted the rapid decline in Punjab’s groundwater levels.
- The Amritsar Bulk Water Supply Project aims to provide clean canal water to residents.
- Experts warned about the health impacts of air pollution and plastic waste.
- Speakers urged citizens to support environmental protection throughout the year.
