CHANDIGRAH /JALANDHAR
While the first week of the monsoon session of Parliament was largely disrupted due to ongoing protests, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal made consistent efforts to raise several important issues concerning the public. During this session, he voiced concerns on topics such as flood prevention, increasing forest cover, improving health services, supporting the underprivileged, saving vanishing small rivers, management of dairies, environmental conservation, and regional air connectivity. He raised all these matters through written questions in the Rajya Sabha.
In response to his query, the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that the government is actively working to promote regional air connectivity under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The ministry further informed that 34 air routes have been made operational in Punjab, connecting Adampur, Ludhiana, Pathankot, and Bathinda. Additionally, tenders have been issued to include Beas and Patiala in regional air connectivity under the same scheme.
Responding to his question on the impact of climate change on natural resources, the Ministry of Jal Shakti assured that efforts are being made at every level to address the issue. Sant Seechewal also raised questions to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the accessibility of health services to the common people and support for the poor. In response, the ministry stated that it is continuously working to improve healthcare facilities and ensure their accessibility through AYUSH and other welfare schemes.
Regarding environmental concerns due to waste and dung from dairies, the Ministry of Animal Husbandry informed that local pollution control boards/committees, municipal bodies, or corporations have been directed to monitor proper disposal of waste from dairies and cow shelters. If any dairy or shelter is found violating the standards set under the Water (1974), Air (1981), or Environment (1986) Acts, appropriate action is taken against them.
Sant Seechewal also questioned the Ministry of External Affairs regarding Indian nationals trapped in the Russian army. Additionally, he sought information on the current forest cover in the country and efforts to increase it, the status of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in tribal areas, and the rising congestion in Indian Railways and possible solutions.
He further shared that he tried to raise a critical local issue during the Zero Hour regarding National Highway 44, which intersects with the Kala Sanghia Drain and Budha Dariya, but due to disruptions in the House, he could not present it. He expressed concern over the faulty culvert design on the Kala Sanghia Drain and the non-removal of construction debris during the building of new bridges over Budha Dariya, which results in annual flooding and severe inconvenience for residents of the area.
Sant Seechewal reaffirmed his commitment to continue raising Punjab-related issues in Parliament in the coming days.