The drive is the brainchild of retired home guards commandant Gurbax Singh.

Baba Seechewal inspected the canal near Dugri before starting the campaign today. When asked about the possibility of cleaning the canal, he said, “ This is a noble task and I am here to motivate people to carry on with the deed. Rest is up to them how they go about cleaning the canal and maintain it.”

Later addressing the gathering, Seechewal expressed his concern over spiraling pollution level in rivers and other natural resources in the state. He said the main objective behind such drives is to make people aware about the misuse of the natural resources.  

Citing from the Guru Granth Sahib, he said, “ Our holy texts teach us to conserve our natural resources. Our texts have spoken volumes about how to worship these natural resources which are essentially gifts from God.”

Seechewal added, “ I request people not to litter rivers and canals by throwing cereals or other eatables in it. Instead they should feed the poor. I dream of a day when our rivers will be clean enough so that people do not use mineral water bottles.”

Well known Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, who was also present at the function, stressed on the need to save the natural resources.

Patar said, “ If we want to feel the presence of God beyond religious places, we will have to make our mother nature as pure as before.”