Punjab's Sikh Priests Address Pollution Issues

Sikhism is an Indian religion and philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century. The faith's first guru, Guru Nanak, established Sikhism, which now has around 25-30 million adherents worldwide, most of whom live in the Indian state of Punjab. In Sikh beliefs, a concern for the environment is part of an integrated approach to life and nature. The importance of air, water, and earth to life is emphasized repeatedly in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and the pollution of these elements is against the principles laid down by the Gurus. In 2018, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) welcomed the decision of the five Sikh priests at Akal Takht Sahib to direct all Gurdwaras to keep the sound of the speakers within their premises to prevent noise pollution. Additionally, in 2025, five Sikh high priests declared a religious emergency in Punjab, calling for intensified religious preaching in the state.

Sikh priests declare a 'religious emergency' in Punjab

Sikh Priests Declare a Religious Emergency in Punjab

In April 2025, five Sikh high priests declared a religious emergency in Punjab, India, calling for intensified preaching in the state. The resolution was adopted in a meeting of the five high priests, including the officiating jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal and spiritual body of Sikhs, and the jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Giani Kuldep Singh Gargaj.

The Sikh clergy expressed a dire need to intensify dharam parchar (religious preaching) in Punjab, and called upon Sikh preachers, ragis, dhadis, and kaveeshars to return to the state. They were instructed to select 10 villages each and dedicate the next four months to intensive religious preaching in those areas. The aim was to impart maximum knowledge of Sikh values to children and deepen their love for Sikhism.

The Sikh high priests also unanimously directed every Sikh to encourage the revival of the tradition of narrating stories related to the Guru and Sikh history at home, along with reciting daily prayers. This was intended to impart Sikh values and strengthen the connection to Sikhism.

While this recent declaration of a religious emergency focuses on increasing religious teachings, Sikh leaders have also previously addressed environmental concerns. In 2016, a five-year "greening" plan was endorsed by prominent Sikh figures, aiming to transform Gurdwaras and schools into ecologically sound buildings and incorporate environmental education into Sikh curricula. This aligns with the belief that Sikhs have a responsibility to revere and protect the environment, as stated by Justice Kuldeep Singh, known as the "Green Judge."

Additionally, in 2018, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) welcomed a decision by five Sikh priests at Akal Takht Sahib to direct all Gurdwaras to keep the sound of speakers within their premises to prevent noise pollution. This decision was praised for considering the adverse health effects of noise pollution on human health.

Pollution Control Board welcomes the priests' decision to curtail noise

The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) welcomed the decision of the five Sikh priests at Akal Takht Sahib to reduce noise pollution within Gurdwara premises. The PPCB Chairman, KS Pannu, praised the decision, stating that it would positively impact the health of residents by reducing noise-induced health issues such as fatigue, deafness, hypertension, and cardiovascular problems.

This decision aligns with the Sikh commitment to environmental protection. According to Sikh beliefs, humans must live in harmony with God's creation, respecting the importance of air, water, and earth. The highest temporal and spiritual body of Sikhs, the Akal Takhat, has emphasized that caring for the environment is the "moral and religious duty" of all Sikhs.

In 2016, prominent Sikh leaders endorsed a five-year "greening" plan, aiming to transform Gurdwaras and schools into ecologically sound buildings and incorporating environmental education into Sikh curricula. This plan, known as "EcoSikh," reflects the community's dedication to fostering environmentally friendly practices and fulfilling their duty to protect nature.

The PPCB's support for the priests' decision to curtail noise pollution within Gurdwaras demonstrates a shared commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for the community. It is a step towards ensuring that religious practices and spaces coexist harmoniously with the well-being and comfort of the surrounding residents.

The PPCB's endorsement also highlights the collaboration between religious and environmental authorities in Punjab. By working together, they can effectively address noise pollution issues and promote sustainable practices that benefit the wider community, regardless of religious affiliation. This united front sets a positive example for other regions struggling with similar challenges.

Sikh leaders unveil a 'green' plan to tackle climate change

Sikh leaders have unveiled a plan to tackle climate change and protect the environment, with a focus on the places Sikhs live, work, and gather to pray and celebrate. The plan, called "EcoSikh", was launched in 2009 as a contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) 'Plans for Generational Change' project.

The initiative aims to connect Sikh values, beliefs, and institutions to the most pressing environmental issues facing the world. It draws on the rich tradition of the Sikh Gurus and the Khalsa Panth, ensuring that reverence for all creation remains central to the Sikh way of life. The EcoSikh movement specifically targets issues like deforestation and air pollution, while also encouraging people to reconnect with nature.

A five-year plan was announced at a conference in New Delhi, with Sikh leaders committing to curbing the climate crisis and protecting the environment. The plan includes the dissemination of environment-related knowledge among the Sikh community in India and abroad, to develop environmental activism. It also involves transforming Gurdwaras and schools into ecologically sound buildings, using sustainable building materials and energy sources.

In addition to the long-term plan, the EcoSikh group has also undertaken the "Million Tree Project", aiming to plant 1 million trees worldwide to tackle environmental issues and celebrate the 550th birthday of Guru Nanak, the founding father of Sikhism. The project has gained popularity among followers of Sikhism, with tens of thousands of trees already planted across India.

Sikh priests in Punjab have also taken steps to address noise pollution within Gurdwara premises, with the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) welcoming the decision to keep speaker volumes within permissible limits to protect the health and well-being of the community.

The 'EcoSikh' initiative plants forests in Punjab and other parts of India

Sikhism, an Indian religion and philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment. The Sikh community has taken various initiatives to address climate change and environmental degradation, including the EcoSikh movement.

EcoSikh is a response by the Sikh community to combat climate change and preserve the natural environment. The initiative has planted numerous forests in Punjab and other parts of India, with a focus on conserving biodiversity and following sustainable practices. One of their notable projects is the Sacred Forest initiative, where they aim to plant 550 trees in each forest, utilizing the Japanese Miyawaki methodology. As of 2022, EcoSikh has planted 400 sacred forests, with a survival rate of 99% for the 167,000 trees, according to Rajwant Singh, the founder and global president of EcoSikh.

The EcoSikh movement is not limited to physical planting but also includes educational initiatives. They have released toolkits to encourage community action, such as promoting organic langar, nature walks, and the adoption of LED bulbs and solar panels. Additionally, they have established the first nursery of indigenous trees in Punjab, contributing to their forest plantation efforts.

The Sikh community's commitment to environmental protection is rooted in their religious beliefs. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture in Sikhism, emphasizes the importance of Air, Water, and Earth, referring to the earth as a mother who requires respect. The Head Priest of Akal Takhat, the highest temporal and spiritual body of Sikhs, has declared that caring for the environment is the "moral and religious duty" of all Sikhs. This sentiment is echoed by Sikh leaders and community members who have endorsed greening plans and initiatives to incorporate environmental education into Sikh curricula.

The pollution of air, water, and earth goes against Sikh principles

Sikhism is an Indian religion and philosophy that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent in the 15th century. It has about 25-30 million adherents worldwide, known as Sikhs, the majority of whom live in the Indian state of Punjab. Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539) and was subsequently led by nine other Gurus.

In 2009, the Head of the Akal Takhat, Jathedar Gurbachan Singh, made a public statement declaring that caring for the environment is the "moral and religious duty" of Sikhs. He advised all Sikhs to focus on cleaning up natural water resources, citing the example of the Kali Bein river, which had been polluted by industrial waste and public refuse.

In line with these teachings, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) welcomed a decision taken by five Sikh Priests at Akal Takht Sahib in 2018 to direct all Gurdwaras to keep the sound of their speakers within permissible limits to prevent noise pollution.

Additionally, in April 2025, five Sikh high priests declared a "religious emergency" in Punjab, calling for intensified religious preaching in the state. While the focus of this declaration was not explicitly on environmental issues, it demonstrates the proactive role of Sikh leaders in addressing concerns within the Sikh community, including environmental protection.

To further promote environmental protection, Sikh leaders have unveiled a five-year "green" plan, known as EcoSikh, which aims to disseminate environment-related knowledge among the Sikh community in India and abroad to foster environmental activism. This plan includes a long-term commitment to transform Gurdwaras and schools into ecologically sound buildings in terms of energy use and the types of building materials used.

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