CM Participates in Function to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of Cleaning of Holy Kali Bein
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the public on Wednesday to commit to halting groundwater depletion and managing environmental pollution. Speaking at an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the cleaning of the sacred Kali Bein, the Chief Minister emphasized Punjab’s nickname as the land of rivers. However, it is currently grappling with a significant water crisis. This makes water conservation a critical issue.
Kali Bein ; Punjab used only 21% of its canal water for irrigation.
He noted that since he took office, his administration has restored 15,947 water channels across the state, allowing water access to even the most remote villages. “Bhagwant Singh Mann said that when he took charge, Punjab used only 21% of its canal water for irrigation.” The Chief Minister expressed pride.“He noted that farmers now actively use 63% of the canal water for irrigation.”He urged citizens to engage with the state government. CM encouraged their support to turn the initiative for water and environmental conservation into a widespread movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed the importance of active public involvement and complete cooperation in this worthy endeavor.
Quoting from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said, “Pavan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat”, which explains how our revered Gurus equated air (pavan) with the teacher, water (paani) with the father, and land (dharat) with the mother. Sadly, he remarked, we have failed to honor the teachings of the Gurus by polluting all three. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the time has come to sincerely imbibe the essence of Gurbani to restore Punjab’s ecological and spiritual glory.
CM Mann Celebrates 25 Years of Kali Bein Revival
The Chief Minister expressed his fortune at having had the opportunity to pay obeisance at the sacred land graced by the footprints of the First Sikh Master, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He reminded the gathering that it was here that Guru Sahib first recited the Mool Mantar, giving it to all humanity. Guru Sahib spent nearly 14 years in this holy town, and it was a moment of great pride for me to participate in the 25th-anniversary celebration of the Kar Sewa (voluntary service) of the holy Kali Bein, added Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister said that the monumental effort to clean the 165-kilometer-long Kali Bein is recorded in golden letters in history. He said that this exemplary initiative has sent a powerful message to the world about the importance of preserving air and water. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for beginning the Kar Sewa on July 16, 2000, at Gurdwara Shri Ber Sahib with an Ardaas (prayer).
CM Mann, Sant Seechewal Lead Buddha Dariya Cleanup
The Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride that in 2022, Sant Seechewal Ji was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab. He continues to serve the people. He said that Baba Ji has been a relentless voice in Parliament advocating for the protection of water bodies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government and Baba ji are making tireless efforts. Their focus is now on the cleaning of Buddha Dariya (formerly Buddha Nallah). He expressed hope that it will soon be restored to its pristine form.
The Chief Minister added that the Punjab Government is working on all fronts to protect the state’s water resources. He said that Development projects worth crores of rupees are currently underway to ensure the holistic development of Sultanpur Lodhi, the holy city associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that these projects would soon be completed.
CM Mann Urges Collective Effort for Environment, Faith
The Chief Minister emphasized that commemorating the anniversary of the restoration of Kali Bein is not merely a symbolic or ceremonial event. Rather, he said that it aims to raise public awareness about environmental conservation. This is to ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann underlined that safeguarding the invaluable gifts of nature is a collective responsibility. He urged everyone present to actively participate in a people’s movement for environmental protection.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to curbing sacrilege. He shared that on Monday. The government introduced the Punjab Prevention of Crime Against Religious Scriptures Bill, 2025 in the Vidhan Sabha. He said this sensitive and critical issue affects all Punjabis and has far-reaching implications for both current and future generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that stringent punishment is necessary to serve as a deterrent for those committing such heinous crimes.
Chief Minister highlighted key public welfare initiatives
Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints, and seers. The Chief Minister noted that they preached love, harmony, and tolerance. However, he lamented that certain anti-Punjab forces have been trying to destroy this fabric of unity. They have orchestrated sacrilegious acts against holy scriptures since 2016. Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s unwavering resolve to ensure exemplary punishment for the culprits involved in such acts.
The Chief Minister highlighted key public welfare initiatives. He spoke about the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna. It is the first-of-its-kind scheme in the country. The scheme provides cashless medical treatment worth ₹10 lakh to every resident family of Punjab. He proudly noted Punjab’s achievement. It has become the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage to every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will provide a huge relief to the general public. It will offer them quality healthcare services.
Addressing the issue of drug abuse, the Chief Minister said that the drug menace had long tarnished Punjab’s image. To counter this, he explained that the state government adopted a multi-pronged approach. They are disrupting drug supply chains and arresting key offenders. They are also rehabilitating victims. Additionally, they are seizing and destroying properties of drug smugglers. Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that the state has launched Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs). This is a campaign aimed at eradicating drugs. He added that, as part of this, village panchayats are passing resolutions. They aim to declare their villages drug-free.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal welcomed all the dignitaries present.
About the Author
