Punjab Congress Leader Partap Singh Bajwa Criticises AAP Government for Using Seechewal Model in Pond Cleaning

Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the AAP government for allegedly adopting Balbir Singh Seechewal's pond-cleaning method, which he claims is ineffective. Bajwa suggested that the state should consult Punjab Engineer College University or Thapar Institute for technical guidance on village pond cleaning to recharge water.

Seechewal, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP and renowned environmentalist, is celebrated for his work on the 160-km Kali Bein rivulet in Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala. During a budget session, his name surfaced in the Question Hour. Punjab Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond mentioned that 173 ponds in Bathinda Rural district's 65 gram panchayats are being developed using Seechewal and Thapar model technology.

Controversy Over Pond Cleaning Techniques

Bajwa argued that Seechewal's model failed during their government’s tenure. "Seechewal saab is not an engineer," he stated, adding that a report had previously declared the model unsuccessful. Bajwa also criticised Seechewal's insistence on his team handling projects, calling it a failed approach.

Minister Sond explained that five ponds in the constituency have been developed using the Seechewal/Thapar technique. Additionally, phased work is ongoing to develop 16 more ponds with this method. Following Sond's response, Bajwa objected to the use of Seechewal's model, leading to remarks that were later expunged by the Speaker.

Debate in the Assembly

The debate led to heated exchanges between Bajwa and treasury benches supporting Seechewal. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan suggested Bajwa visit Sultanpur Lodhi to witness Seechewal's work firsthand. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh urged Bajwa to apologise for his comments.

Dr Balbir Singh defended Seechewal's approach, stating, "People do PhD on Shakespeare who did not even go to school. Those who do PhD on Baba Nanak and Bhai Vir Singh, they did not go to school. Science does not belong to anyone. I have seen the Seechewal model and it has a scientific basis."

Bajwa responded by mentioning an incident involving the Chief Minister. He claimed the CM fell ill after drinking water from a site cleaned using Seechewal’s method and was taken to Apollo hospital. Bajwa suggested an apology was warranted and questioned why the CM was allowed to visit there.

The ongoing debate highlights differing opinions on environmental strategies within Punjab's political landscape. While some advocate for traditional methods, others call for scientific validation and expert consultation.