Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Punjab MP Seechewal urges nationwide drive to protect India's rivers
A man named Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal is a member of the Rajya Sabha in India's Parliament.
He made a speech in the House on Wednesday.
He said that rivers are very important for India.
He told everyone that rivers are the foundation of the country's civilisation, farming and environment.
He explained that people have built things illegally on and near rivers in many parts of the country.
These illegal buildings block the water from flowing freely.
That can cause floods and damage nature.
He asked the central and state governments to remove these illegal buildings.
He also said that protecting the environment is a duty of every citizen.
He wants people and organisations to join a big movement to save India's rivers.
Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal stressed the need to protect India's rivers and natural water resources during a Special Mention on Wednesday.
He urged the Central and state governments to strictly implement National Green Tribunal (NGT) directions and remove illegal encroachments from water bodies.
He warned that encroachments on rivers, wetlands, floodplains and natural waterways obstruct the natural flow of water and significantly increase flood risks.
Citing Punjab, he said illegal encroachments on rivers, streams and drains have hampered drainage of floodwaters, threatening human life and property.
He called for a time-bound nationwide campaign and a people's movement involving social, religious and environmental organisations to restore India's rivers.
- Who
- Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, a Rajya Sabha member from Punjab.
- What
- Stressed the need to protect India's rivers by removing illegal encroachments and strictly implementing NGT directions.
- When
- Wednesday, during a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha.
- Where
- Rajya Sabha (Parliament of India), with reference to encroachments across India and specifically Punjab.
- Why
- To prevent floods, environmental degradation and damage to agriculture, and to protect the interests of future generations.
- Speaker
- Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, Rajya Sabha member
- Forum
- Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha
- Date
- Wednesday (specific date not stated)
- Key Demand
- Removal of illegal encroachments on rivers, streams, drains, lakes and natural water bodies
- Legal Basis Cited
- NGT directions; Article 48A and Article 51A(G) of the Constitution of India
- Region Cited
- Punjab
- Call to Action
- Time-bound nationwide campaign and a people's movement for river protection and restoration