As the city of Amritsar celebrates its 436th anniversary on July 6, Eco-Amritsar, a NGO affiliated to the US-based EcoSikh organisation, will organize a foundation day procession, which shall be flagged off by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh from the Golden Temple complex.
The procession will culminate at the Ram Bagh Gardens. All along the route the participants in the procession will lay stress on the challenges to the city's cleanliness, health and hygiene. Seeking public participation, the slogan of the march will be,"Amritsar-My City, My Pride, My Responsibility!"
EcoAmritsar Chairman Gunbir Singh said that on the foundation day they will generate traction towards an environmentally conscious citizenship in Amritsar. The focus areas on the foundation day will be save, harvest and reuse water, reduce and utilise waste, vermi-composting/kitchen gardening, go natural and organic and say no to chemicals. Besides the focus will also be on audit and conserve energy, sustained greenification and a clean and beautiful city.
"There is a need for systemic change in city management. Mindset change amongst us citizens is also imperative. Cleaning and greening of a pilgrim city such as Amritsar requires a missionary zeal and self discipline. We owe this to ourselves as well as the millions of tourists that visit us," said Gunbir while talking to the media here on Thursday.
Gunbir said that plans are afoot to initiate plantation programs, landscaping and greenification projects and non chemical farming demonstration programs. Zero tolerance to plastic is a must to keep the city clean, he added.
{{/usCountry}}Gunbir said that plans are afoot to initiate plantation programs, landscaping and greenification projects and non chemical farming demonstration programs. Zero tolerance to plastic is a must to keep the city clean, he added.
{{/usCountry}}" Our aim is to make a difference within the 2017 timeframe when Amritsar becomes 440 years of age. We are appealing to all community and religious bodies for endorsement and adoption as well", he added. .
Ravneet Singh, Eco Sikh Project Manager appreciated all the contribution made by the many social and religious organisations, who have made these beginnings possible.