The Fact News Service
Jalandhar, June 5
On the eve of World Environment Day, Rajya Sabha Member and Renowned Environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has urged the Central Government to establish the country’s first “Guru Nanak Dev Environmental University” in Sultanpur Lodhi.
In a press statement issued from here, Sant Seechewal expressed concern over Punjab’s fragile environmental condition. He highlighted that groundwater levels in the state have dropped dangerously low, and despite its small geographical size, Punjab uses the highest amount of chemical fertilizers among all Indian states. Toxic elements have entered our food chain, posing severe threats to public health.
Sant Seechewal emphasized the urgent need for major research institutions to find innovative solutions to these environmental challenges. He stated that such significant initiatives can only be effectively undertaken by institutions like universities.
He further explained that Sultanpur Lodhi is the ideal location for such a university because it was here that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the great spiritual teacher and environmentalist, delivered the first message to respect and preserve nature—air, water, and earth—centuries ago. The global observance of Environment Day since 1973 echoes the teachings given by Guru Nanak from this very land. He added that Establishing the university in Sultanpur Lodhi would not only help in environmental conservation and research but would also drive the overall development of the region.
Sant Seechewal also mentioned that the sacred Kali Bein, which carries the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s presence, flows through Sultanpur Lodhi. This 165-kilometer-long Bein river is the first in the country to be restored to its pristine form after being heavily polluted. Several PhD-level research projects have already been conducted on this river. In the coming years, Sultanpur Lodhi is expected to attract scholars and visitors from across the world. Hence, a world-class academic and research institution should be established here in the form of a university.
