The Fact News Service
Sangrur, June 9
Environment Activist Jasinder Sekhon has urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately intervene in a matter of construction of new Stadium in Longowal which could trigger wildlife disaster as more than 160 trees are likely to be cut for project. She urged CM to immediately stop the new project whose foundation stone was laid by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora.
In a letter to Chief Minister, She said that on behalf of the residents of Longowal and other surrounding areas of Sangrur district, would like to draw your kind attention to the wildlife disaster that is about to be triggered in Longowal, at the behest of the instrumentalities of the state.
She said that they have learned through reports in The Tribune and The Hindustan Times dated 6’th of June 2023 that the Hon’ble Minister, Mr. Aman Arora has announced a plan to build a stadium, which, if implemented, would greatly disturb the flora and fauna in Longowal. This will mean the uprooting of over 160 old trees and destroying the habitat of our National Bird, the Peacock, apart from other wildlife that have a natural habitat there.
She said that people were in deep anguish over the gross, willful and callous disregard for the natural flora , fauna and wildlife in the area. How could the officials even conceive the idea of making a stadium here by identifying this particular land which has a vast green cover and at the cost of wiping out the habitat of the National bird , the Peacock? The local residents of Longowal feel that the existing school stadium could be very easily upgraded, and that there is no need for another one.
She urged CM to to order an independent enquiry urgently as to how the officials could think of violating the Wildlife Protection Act and to wipe out the natural habitation of approximately over hundred and fifty peacocks and pea fowls . The offenders of this act should be punished in an exemplary manner. The officials of Punjab Government should be sensitive towards nature and uphold the law, which is their duty. Here they are violating it themselves.
Pending the enquiry as requested hereinbefore, kindly issue directions immediately to the concerned Departments/ Officers to refrain from taking any further steps regarding this ill-conceived project.
