Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj asks Punjab not to set up paper factory near Chamkaur Sahib

AMRITSAR: The officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht and jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, on Sunday urged the Punjab govt to withdraw its decision to set up a "pollution-causing factory" on the sacred land of Sri Chamkaur Sahib, keeping in mind the sentiments of the Punjabis, especially the Sikh community.
In a statement issued by the Akal Takht secretariat on Sunday, Giani Gargajj mentioned that plans had come to light for the installation of a paper factory just 600 metres from Gurdwara Bir Jand Sahib and approximately 400 metres between the Budha Darya and the Sirhind Canal. He warned that the factory would discharge toxic waste into these water bodies and the surrounding land.
"This is a very serious issue, as the Sirhind Canal is the lifeline of the entire Malwa region, and pollution in the Budha Darya could affect areas as far as Rajasthan. These are two major water sources on which a large population depends," said the jathedar.
He cautioned that establishing the paper factory in the Chamkaur Sahib region would severely impact public health and the environment and called upon the Punjab govt to immediately cancel the proposal and respect the sentiments of the people by preserving the sanctity of Sri Chamkaur Sahib.