PRESS NOTE-Commemoration of Vanmahotsav & Anniversary of Saving Mattewara Jungles

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18-07-2026

PRESS NOTE-Commemoration of Vanmahotsav & Anniversary of Saving Mattewara Jungles

01 July – 06 July 2026

“Well Begun is Half Done”

The six-day Vanmahotsav Celebrations and the Anniversary of Saving Mattewara Jungles concluded successfully with enthusiastic participation from government departments, educational institutions, environmental organizations, religious leaders, public representatives, and hundreds of citizens. The event reaffirmed a collective commitment towards ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community-led environmental stewardship.

The celebrations were organized at Dhussi Bundh Gurdwara Sahib on the banks of the River Satluj near Village Garhi Fazal, Plot No. 18 of Mattewara Jungles (last year’s plantation site), and the newly identified plantation site in Sekhewal Jungles, forming part of the Salempur Forest Block under the supervision of the Forest Department.

The programme commenced with the recitation of Sri Sukhmani Sahib, followed by Ardaas and a solemn Shradhanjali to Late Shri Suresh Malhan Ji, an active member of the Public Action Committee (PAC), the victims of the Giaspura Tragedy, and all those who lost their lives due to water and air pollution. The plantation drive thereafter began with the planting of native tree species dedicated to environmental restoration and public welfare.

Massive Community Participation

The celebrations witnessed overwhelming participation from:

Team Ranger Mattewara
Village Panchayats and local residents
School students and teachers
Environmental NGOs
Religious organizations
Environmental activists
Political representatives
Government officials
Members of the Public Action Committee (PAC)
Citizens from different parts of Punjab

Approximately 500 students and teachers actively participated in the plantation drives.

Participating Educational Institutions

Ramgarhia School for Boys, Ludhiana
Ramgarhia School for Girls, Ludhiana
Ramgarhia School, Pratap Nagar
Delhi Public School (DPS), Ludhiana
Excellent Public School, Meonwal
Satluj Public School, Hawas
Nankana Public School, Khassi Kallan
Nankana School, Rampur
Jeevan Jot Public School, Mattewara

NGOs and Social Organizations

The programme received valuable support from:

RoundGlass
Evergreen Mission
Green Thumb
Kaumi Virsa Samaj Sewa Society
Gurmehar Foundation
Shri Satya Sai Baba Mission
United Sikhs
Sankara

Distinguished Dignitaries

The celebrations were graced by the presence of:

Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
Shri Rajesh Gulati, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO)
S. Pradeep Singh Khalsa, Garhi Fazal
Mrs. Mamta Ashu
Baba Gian Singh Ji, Garhi Fazal
Nihang Baba Gurdev Singh Ji, Goindwal Sahib

Addressing the gathering, Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji emphasized the importance of large-scale plantation of native tree species through community participation to restore Punjab’s ecological balance. He directed the Drainage Department to ensure the regular release of water from the Sirhind Canal into the Mattewara Drain for sustaining the cluster of six historic jungles. He also recommended the construction of suitable check dams to enhance groundwater recharge and biodiversity.

Furthermore, he agreed to facilitate the implementation of the Seechewal Model for the treatment of untreated village sewage presently flowing into the Mattewara Drain, enabling the reuse of treated water for sustaining the jungles and supporting agriculture.

Development of Green Corridors

The plantation campaign is being undertaken over approximately 150 acres adjoining Hyder Jungle as part of the Salempur Forest Block.

Under the leadership of DFO Shri Rajesh Gulati, IFS, and the supervision of Range Officer S. Mohan Singh and the dedicated Forest Department team:

Nearly 20,000 plantation pits have been prepared for native tree species.
Approximately 8,000 native saplings have already been planted.
Nearly 1,000 saplings were planted by enthusiastic school children.
Plantation activities will continue until the target of 20,000 saplings is achieved.

The long-term vision is to establish continuous Green Corridors linking Hyder Jungle with Mattewara Jungles, thereby strengthening wildlife habitats, enhancing biodiversity, and improving ecological resilience across the region.

Role of the Public Action Committee (PAC)

The Public Action Committee (PAC) played a pivotal role in conceptualizing, planning, coordinating, and executing the entire programme. PAC mobilized schools, NGOs, environmental activists, religious organizations, volunteers, Panchayats, and local communities while working in close coordination with the Forest Department to ensure systematic implementation of the plantation campaign.

PAC reiterated that Vanmahotsav should not remain confined to a single week but should continue throughout the plantation season until October through sustained public participation. The Committee appealed for extensive plantation of native species across Punjab through the development of Community Forests, Green Belts, and Buffer Zones.

Health Camp and Environmental Awareness

As part of the celebrations, an Eye Check-up Camp was organized on 03 July 2026 by Sankara Eye Hospital at Excellent Public School, Meonwal, on the request of PAC. Around 160 patients were examined by a team of specialist doctors and trained medical staff.

An environmental awareness workshop was also conducted by Rajinder Singh Kalra, Ex-Serviceman, environmental activist, and active member of PAC and Green Thumb. He sensitized students about domestic waste management, environmental responsibility, and the importance of protecting Punjab’s natural ecosystems.

Environmental Concerns

PAC highlighted the urgent need for the restoration and conservation of:

Buddha Darya
River Satluj
Groundwater resources

The Committee also emphasized reducing air pollution, promoting scientific waste management, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring long-term ecological restoration through active public participation.

Acknowledgements

PAC expressed its sincere gratitude to United Sikhs, particularly Gurdwara Sahib Buddewal, for organizing Langar during various events. The Committee also acknowledged the invaluable support of all participating schools, NGOs, environmental organizations, volunteers, religious institutions, Forest Department officials and staff, labourers, Panchayats, and citizens whose dedicated efforts contributed significantly to the restoration of the historic and sacred Mattewara Jungles.

Reminder to the State Government

PAC respectfully reminded the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Ji, of the commitment made during the meeting held on 11 July 2022 with the PAC delegation to promote the growth of Mattewara Jungles, conserve biodiversity, and develop the area into a model destination for eco-tourism.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to continue working in partnership with government agencies, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and local communities to protect Punjab’s forests, rivers, wetlands, and natural heritage for future generations.