Seechewal model effective for other Indian rivers: Experts

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 27

The Seechewal model was discussed at the three-day national conference held in Patna recently to discuss the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga.

Environment experts from Nepal, India and Bangladesh expressed concern that many dams being put up on the river at various places would hamper its smooth flow. They said to ensure its status as the national river, maintaining its flow was imperative.

Environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal, who returned after participating at the national conference, said the rivers of Asia could be cleaned with the use of his cost-effective model to rid these of all kinds of pollutants.

During his visit to Punjab (at the Kali Bein) earlier this month, the Bihar Chief Minister had lauded Seechewal’s model and said it would be emulated in Bihar. He had invited the environmentalist to the Bihar conference during this visit.

A call for a satygraha was given during the conference to ensure the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga.

Magsasay awardee Rajinder Singh also participated in the press conference. He said a national debate was needed on the state of rivers and their continuous pollution. He said the Seechewal model of rendering the Kali Bein clean needed to be emulated across other rivers of the country.

Seechewal also advocated the use of sewerage water from villages for irrigation as the model which had been devised by him for Punjab villages.