NGOs urge politicians to include environment in manifestoes

Jalandhar, Jan 11 (UNI) Six non-government organisations (NGOs) working for enrichment of environment heritage and conservation of natural resources have urged various political parties of Punjab to include issues of public concern like environment conservation, water source management in their respective election manifestoes for the February 13 assembly elections.

Talking to reporters here today, noted environmentalist and Ek Om Akar Charitable Trust, Chairman, Sant Balbir Singh Sichchewal and representatives of other NGOs also appealed to the voters to exert pressure upon various political parties and contestants of their areas for this cause.

Sant Sichewal said apathetic attitude of political activists towards deteriorating environmental balance, falling groundwater table and over and unwise exploitation of natural resources had put in peril public health and quality of life.

He said adequate public awareness for these issues could build pressure on the political leadership to take up these issues and the process should begin during the ensuing assembly elections.

He said all political parties should make their stand clear on enviornment issues.

Besides Sant Sichewal, functionaries of Chaugirda Bachao Committee, Dharati Suhani, Sawi Dharati, Kheti Virasat Mission and Vatavaran Panchayat were also present at the press conference.

UNI