*Groundwater Levels Rise by Up to 10 Feet in Villages Near the Budhha Dariya*
*Keeping Rivers and Streams Clean is the Collective Responsibility of Punjabis – Sant Seechewal*
*Vaisakhi Celebrated for the Second Consecutive Year on the Banks of Bhukhri Khurd*
*"Water and Air Quality Show Noticeable Improvement"*
Over the past two years, significant positive changes have been observed in the Bhukhri Khurd area due to the continuous flow of clean water in the Buddha Dariya. Groundwater levels in nearby villages have risen by as much as 10 feet. The improved water quality has also attracted migratory birds, marking a major environmental achievement. Additionally, the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level of the river water near village Bhamian has shown considerable improvement.
Rajya Sabha MP and environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal urged people to take ownership of the Buddha Dariya and contribute to its upkeep. While addressing a religious gathering at the Gurdwara Sahib in Bhukhri Khurd during a Baisakh-related event, he emphasized that rivers are part of our heritage and preserving them is a collective responsibility.
Extending Baisakhi greetings, he highlighted that the Khalsa Panth was established on this day in 1699, and Amrit was prepared using the waters of the Sutlej River. From Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, all Sikh Gurus maintained a deep connection with water.
Sant Seechewal stated that our relationship with rivers dates back centuries, and once we begin to treat them as our own, no one will dare to pollute them. He added that compared to last year, the river water is even cleaner this year, with TDS levels recorded around 185.
Ludhiana Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur Gill praised Sant Seechewal, stating that transforming the polluted Buddha drain back into a river-like state is nothing short of an extraordinary achievement.
Village Sarpanch Satpal Singh remarked that those who pollute the river are committing a crime. He appealed to dairy operators not to contaminate the now-clean river again. He also reiterated that groundwater levels in the region have increased by up to 10 feet and assured continuous monitoring to maintain cleanliness.
As part of the ongoing voluntary service (kar seva) for cleaning the Buddha Dariya, Baisakhi was celebrated again this year on the banks at Bhukhri Khurd. Fruit-bearing and shade-giving trees were planted to green the riverbanks. Devotees took a holy dip in the river, while children enjoyed playing in the water. Students from Sant Avtar Singh Memorial School presented kirtan, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.
Prominent attendees included Sant Baba Bagga Singh Ji, MLA Daljit Singh Grewal, Surjit Singh Shanti, Sarpanch Karamjit Singh (Khasikalan), Sarpanch Malkit Kaur (Talwandi Madhopur), Sarpanch Joga Singh (Chak Chela), Sarpanch Boota Singh Seechewal, representatives from Guru Ramdas Nagar, Balwinder Singh Virk, Jasvir Singh Grewal, former Sarpanch Balkar Singh, Chairman Tarsem Singh (Chak Chela), Gurmel Singh, Hardev Singh Daudhar, Kulwinder Kaur Minhas, the Kavishari group from Madanpuri, and JE officials.
It is noteworthy that in 2024, 5 to 6 feet of silt had accumulated in the river. A 40-day intensive cleaning drive was carried out using excavators, JCB machines, and tractor-trolleys to remove the sediment.
*Box Item:*
Under the “Seechewal Model,” a solar-powered motor has been installed by the Soil Conservation Department to channel treated water from the village to agricultural fields, strengthening sustainable water management efforts.
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