The Department of Science, Technology and Environment organized a state-level function to celebrate World Environment Day 2026 at Pushpa Gujral Science City (PGSC) in Kapurthala. World Environment Day is celebrated globally on June 5 each year to commemorate the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, also known as the Stockholm Conference, held in 1972. This UN flagship event promotes environmental awareness and grassroots actions. The UN theme for 2026 is 'Climate Change Actions'.
Chief Guest Launches Plantation Campaign
Inaugurating the celebrations, Padma Shri Balbir Singh Seechewal, Rajya Sabha MP and chief guest, launched a state-wide plantation awareness campaign by distributing plants and urging people to participate in the noble cause. He called upon citizens to plant native trees and shun plastic use for environmental protection.
Environment Awards Conferred
Recognizing outstanding contributions in environment and nature conservation in Punjab, the MP conferred the 2026 Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Annual Environment Award to three organizations: Gram Panchayat, Village Seechewal, District Jalandhar (category: Gram Panchayat); School of Eminence, Village Chhajli, District Sangrur (category: Institution); and Salute the Trees, Rajpura, District Patiala (category: NGO/Social Organization). Each award included a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a certificate of appreciation, and a silver plate memento.
The MP also felicitated eight grassroots innovators from Punjab, selected from 553 entries by the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), for developing low-cost indigenous technologies and processes through their ingenuity.
Boats Donated to Water Sports Centre
On World Environment Day, Seechewal presented four new modern boats and other sports equipment to the Water Sports Centre in Sultanpur Lodhi to promote water sports. Purchased at approximately Rs 2.5 lakh, these additions bring the total number of boats at the centre to 32. Operating on the sacred Kali Bein since 2014, the Sant Seechewal Water Sports Centre has become a unique hub for water sports in Punjab. Dedicating the boats to athletes, Seechewal noted that centre players have brought glory to Sultanpur Lodhi and Punjab through outstanding performances in national and international competitions over the past decade.
Centre coach Amandeep Singh stated that water sports are expensive, with a single paddle costing thousands of rupees and a boat costing several lakhs. However, with Seechewal's support, children from ordinary and economically weaker families can pursue the sport free or at minimal cost. He added that the centre has added two C-1 boats, one C-2 boat, and one K-1 boat to provide international-level facilities to athletes.
