Eco-Amritsar to create awareness about environmental concerns

Amritsar, Punjab: As the city gets ready to celebrate its 437th year of existance with Foundation Day celebrations to be held on June 27, Eco-Amritsar, under the aegis of Eco-Sikh, based in Washington, will collaborate with various stakeholders of this great city to celebrate its foundation day as one of its major awareness projects generating awareness among the residents of the city towards a safe environment among the residents of the city with a focus on eco activities.

At a press conference, members of Eco-Sikh, Eco-Amritsar and various other conglomerates presented an itinerary of activities to be held to commemorate the day. Gunbir Singh, Chairman, Eco-Amritsar, said, “Amritsar is our city and our pride. As a city that hosts over 25 million tourists and pilgrims annually, we have responsibilities as well. The resurgence of activity by city interest groups, stakeholders and citizens is heartening. The city’s time for renaissance and revival depends on each resident and their collective responsibility. We see this change happening.”

Dr Rajwant Singh from Eco-Sikh will participate in activities, involving residents. He believes, “The Eco-Amritsar programme has led to excellent initiatives in the cities of Nanded, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar and elsewhere. Our aim is to achieve a few objectives like sustaining a green cover, audit and conservation of natural energy, reducing and utilising waste and beautification of the city.

“Our aim is to make a visible difference within the 2017 time frame when Amritsar becomes 440 years old,” says he.

Challanges regarding sanitation, health, public transport, air and water pollution were the main problems to combat. Under their initiative,

Amritsar — My city, My pride, My responsibility,” Eco-Amritsar has already accomplished a few of their projects. Achieving night sanitation, putting dust bins in place and cleaning operations by Baba Kulwant Singh ji and his daily jathas from 64 villages bordering Ajnala, installation of dustbins by the Voice of Amritsar at Basant Avenue, Eco Clubs and ecological activities at educational institutions, recognising and exhibiting works of 22 national artists on Amritsar at the International Airport departure lounge through the Indian Academy of Fine Arts, partnerships and MOUs with various educational and other organisations. Increasing the green cover and plantations at gurdwaras, the Hall Bazar mosque, schools, are among the few initiatives.

Eco-Amritsar is also striving to enter into partnerships globally under the Green Pilgrimage Network (GPN) to bring in technical expertise and investment partners to deliver renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure projects to the city. Sustaining two Zero Disposal Parks, SGPC contribution in spreading awareness through religious discourses, plantations at gurdwaras and on properties, educational seminars, incorporating solar energy and other energy-saving techniques, green Nagar Kirtans and green Chhabils.

This time, activities include installation of zero-disposal parks, nature walks, cleaning drives, citizens’ meetings, recycling projects, seminars and programmes on keeping the city clean.

“On the day, a Foundation Day procession will be flagged off by Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji at Sri Akal Takhat Sahib Gate at 7am. The procession will reach the Company Bagh and gather at the New Parking Lot near the skating rink at 8.30 am,” said Gunbir.

Tarundeep Singh, project administrator, EcoAmritsar, also appreciated the huge contributions made by the media, social, educational and religious organisations and individuals.

Source: The Tribune