Political parties should come clean on green agenda urged social and environmental groups
There is significant scientific evidence available
today which shows beyond doubt that the soil, water and air of Punjab have been grossly polluted with highly poisonous/
toxic substances. The state is sitting on a volcano of environmental health
crisis, which is affecting not only human beings but all other living species.
Use of highly poisonous agro-chemicals (pesticides,
herbicides and chemical fertilizers); discharge of untreated or partially
treated industrial waste into natural water bodies and coal based power plants
are the main sources of pollution. This is the reason why it’s high time our
political parties clearly spell out their environmental priorities. The time
has come when ecology and environmental action should be the rallying point for
all pro-people and pro-nature forces in Punjab.
More than 50 civil society organisations, religious
groups and farmer unions are already pushing for the cause under a social
alliance, Vatavaran Ate Samaj Bachao Morcha (VSBM). The main motive is to bring
environmental health and ecological crisis to the center stage of current
election debate.
We are confronting the entire political class with some
hard questions related to destruction of ecology, contamination of food chain
and high prevalence of environmental toxins in Punjab.
VSBM has adopted a People’s Green Agenda seeking proclamation of ‘Environment
Emergency’ in Punjab and a widespread
epidemiological mapping to ascertain the impact of chronic toxicity in the
state.
The Morcha is also organising public dialogues at all
district headquarters of Punjab to create
awareness among the electorates. Voters must demand answers from the candidates
and parties who come to seek their mandate this time.
Environmental governance capability of each political
party is the most essential prerequisite for good and holistic governance. The
experience of last two decades shows that development paradigm clearly lacks
ecological concerns. Contrary to popular belief, there are successful
environment friendly policies which can be adopted by Punjab
for sustainable development.
The agriculture sector needs a fresh vision to ensure
financial as well as ecological viability. People of Punjab
have long been cheated by subsequent governments which have been callous and
non-committal on their own promises related to environment protection.
We call upon the Election Commission to declare
election manifesto as a legal document. If a party coming to power fails to
implement at least 75 per cent of its election promises, it should be
de-recognised and its office bearers and leaders debarred from contesting
elections.
We implore the people of Punjab
to stress upon issues of environment and health when the candidates come to
their doors seeking support. This is the only way we can expect Punjab to flourish again. Our pride and heritage is at
stake. If we don’t act now, there is little hope for better future.
The Morcha is a democratic federation of several groups
belonging to diverse socio-political ideologies and working on different
issues. However, they all have joined forces on the core issue of environmental
and health security besides ecological sustainability of agriculture.
VSBM represents voice of concerned social forces which
include Kheti Virasat Mission, Nature Human Centric People’s Movement,
Internationalist Democratic Party, United Communist Party of India, Phagwara
Environment Association, Association for Democratic Rights, Indian Doctors for
Peace and Development, Environmental Health Action Group, Eco Sikh and Election
Watch Punjab. It is supported by various factions of Bhartiya Kisan Union and
other farmer’s organisations.
We have doctors, farmers, activists, writers, artists,
lawyers and scientists on our board. Eminent individuals like Gyani Kewal Singh
, Dr Bibi Inderjit Kaur , Sant Balbir Singh Seenchewal, Prof Jagmohan Singh and
former minister Jagdev Singh Jassowal.
Umendra Dutt
Executive Director
Kheti Virasat Mission
Post Box No.-1
Jaitu,
Faridkot-151202
Mob.-98726-82161
Executive Director
Kheti Virasat Mission
Post Box No.-1
Jaitu,
Faridkot-151202
Mob.-98726-82161
email: khetivirasatmission@gmail.com
Website: www.khetivirasatmission.org
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