He was addressing a seminar organised by local non-government organisation (NGO) Folklore Research Academy in collaboration with Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) at The Millennium School here to mark the World Earth Day during which spiritual leaders from different religions expressed their views.

“On pretext of the Green Revolution, pesticides and chemical fertilizers were promoted in the state. It disturbed the eco-system here due to which a number of people are facing cancer and other deadly ailments,” said Agnivesh.

The social activist said the Western development model being implemented by India is anti-Nature. “This model has paved the way for loot of natural resources and promoted the urbanisation, industrialisation and consumerism. Former UPA as well as incumbent NDA government have been promoting this,” he said.

He said, “To save the Earth, we have to implement alternative model roots prevailing in our cultural and religious values. All religious leaders should take the responsibility to spread these values.”

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said Guru Granth Sahib’s teachings, which give respect to precious natural resources, should be followed by all to get rid of all kinds of pollution.

Raising concern over ground water depletion, he also made an appeal to the people to shun religious practices that pollute water resources. He urged the governments to enact a law in this regard.

“Gurbani teaches us to respect air, water and other natural resources and humans should live in the light of these teachings,” opined environmentalist Baba Sewa Singh.

Besides, leaders of different religions, including Jugal Kishore Shastri (Ayudhya), Syed Nazim Ali Nizami, Syed Farid Maharaj, Bhikshu Sangasena, Giani Tanveer Ahmed Khadim and Bishop Samant Roy expressed their views on water crisis as per teachings of their religions.

Presenting the vote of thanks, board chairman Manpreet Singh said NGOs should join hands to spread awareness about environmental issues.

Teachers as well as students from various schools also attended the seminar.

Source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/use-of-chemicals-pesticides-in-farming-led-to-environmental-deterioration-agnivesh/story-EZBiycxSZqyza4cmaXYT7K.html