Activists launch statewide movement to combat water pollution in Punjab
The Chitti Bein Morcha will establish a state-level committee to address pollution in rivers, streams, and rivulets across the state.
Environmentalists and activists formed the Chitti Bein Morcha to address the pollution of rivers, streams, and water bodies in Punjab. According to The Tribune, a meeting was held in Jalandhar today to discuss the condition of the Sutlej River, Chitti Bein, and Kala Sanghian.
Ajay Pal Singh and Tejasvi Minhas convened the meeting, which included farmers' representatives, social activists, and citizens. Participants resolved to create a democratic state-level member committee and regional committees in affected villages to coordinate the movement.
The group expressed concern that successive governments, including those led by the AAP, Congress, BJP, and Shiromani Akali Dal, failed to address river pollution. They also alleged that changes to environmental enforcement provisions have weakened deterrence by treating certain violations as civil rather than criminal offences.
Participants highlighted public health risks from contaminated water, including the cancer burden in Malwa and neighbouring Rajasthan. They noted that heavy-metal contamination is a serious challenge because remediation is difficult.
The movement resolved to pursue legal remedies, organise protests, and undertake ground-level action. Members stated they would oppose any Red Category industry found violating environmental laws and pollution-control requirements.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place at Malsian, located at the confluence of Kala Sanghian and Chitti Bein.