Hoshiarpur:- An increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels will inevitably lead to a depletion of oxygen in the air we breathe and a certain rise in global temperatures. On the global stage, nations have pledged to limit the rise in temperature to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. Consequently, upon returning home from international forums, these nations ought to formulate policies aimed at protecting the environment; however, they are currently failing to demonstrate the necessary resolve to create and implement such robust policies.
In this regard, Jack Gopal Dhiman, President of the Labour Party, strongly condemned the self-serving mindset and negligence displayed by various governments. He asserted that both the public and the authorities must take decisive measures to curb rising temperatures and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The burning of wheat stubble inflicts damage upon the world—damage that humanity can never fully repair.
The very Earth that sustains and nourishes the farmer is today being harmed. This is by no means an act of bravery; these fires can be prevented, and the Earth's vital fertility can be preserved. Countless animals perish, atmospheric heat intensifies, and these destructive cycles repeat themselves. The soil itself dries out and turns barren—such is the devastating impact of burning stubble.
Every day in our Gurdwaras, we hear the sacred proclamation: "Air is the Guru, Water is the Father, and Earth is the Mother." Any human being who fails to grasp the profound significance of air, water, and earth remains trapped in a state of ignorance. Tragically, humanity is effectively digging its own grave. It is only when the natural equilibrium is disrupted that humans begin to wander aimlessly, crying out to God in desperation. Dhiman emphasized that nothing—absolutely nothing—is greater than the environment, nor can anything ever be.
Maintaining this natural equilibrium is a fundamental duty of the government; yet, ensnared by the greed for money, they are not only orchestrating their own downfall but are also undermining the nation's economic policies. Furthermore, the farmer's harvest remains entirely dependent upon natural resources. There is, therefore, an urgent and critical need to truly understand and respect the cycles of nature. It is truly shameful that Punjab's Department of Environment remains silent while witnessing such devastation.
Dhiman stated that, regarding the environment, we must be sincere in our approach toward trees; we must blanket the earth with greenery and, under all circumstances, recognize the vital importance of their existence. All ongoing fires must be extinguished. All methods of generating government revenue through trees must be discontinued; instead, cultivation on vacant Panchayat lands must cease to allow for the regeneration of forests. Beyond merely reducing carbon dioxide, trees also provide us with oxygen.
Dhiman emphasized that it is not just the Panchayats of Punjab, but those across the entire country, that must become sensitized to the need for cultivating green forests on common lands. Government revenue sources should be derived solely from taxation policies, not from the felling of trees. All hypocrisy and falsehoods regarding environmental protection must be completely abandoned. Furthermore, strip forests along roadsides must be redeveloped.
He asserted that the country suffers from no shortage of resources; the only things lacking are truthfulness and dedication. The people possess immense potential. If the people can bring about a revolution, why can they not bring about an improvement in the environment? Dhiman noted that the Hoshiarpur district was once a leading region in terms of tree cover. However, the rampant corruption within the Forest Department and among politicians has turned certain parts of Punjab back into deserts—consequences of which are plainly visible to us today.
Just as there is a heavy burden of unemployment, a similarly heavy burden is being placed upon our trees. There was a time when the people of India revered and worshipped trees; yet now, due to deteriorating circumstances, those very same people—in collusion with their politicians—are actively engaged in the destruction and depletion of tree populations. Dhiman appealed to the public to become more conscious and responsible regarding the environment.