15-09-2026
A Call to Adopt and Restore the Historic Mattewara Jungles
A Public–Private Partnership for Punjab’s Sustainable Green Future
By Col. CM Lakhanpal
Member, Public Action Committee (PAC) – Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj and Buddha Darya, Ludhiana
The Mattewara Jungles: A Natural and Cultural Heritage of Punjab
The Mattewara Jungles are not merely a forest. They are among Punjab’s most valuable natural, ecological, historical and spiritual treasures.
They are surviving remnants of the ancient forests that were once connected with the revered Machhiwara Jungles, a landscape deeply associated with the history and legacy of the great Sikh Gurus. Protecting and restoring these forests is therefore not only an environmental responsibility but also a moral, cultural and intergenerational obligation.
Situated along the southern bank of the sacred River Satluj, the Mattewara Jungles form an important part of the river’s natural floodplain. Historically, much of this landscape functioned as a thriving wetland ecosystem that supported rich biodiversity, recharged groundwater, moderated floods and provided habitat for countless species of flora and fauna.
Restoring these ecological functions is essential for Punjab’s long-term environmental security.
An Opportunity to Restore Nearly 4,500 Acres
The Mattewara landscape is spread across approximately 4,500 acres in six forest clusters, offering enormous potential for large-scale ecological restoration.
Around 1,000 acres of acquired land are presently being transferred from GLADA to the Forest Department. This newly available land presents an unprecedented opportunity to expand native forest cover through scientifically planned plantations.
The restoration programme should focus on:
- Planting indigenous native tree species
- Creating ecological corridors
- Expanding forest cover
- Restoring natural habitats
- Improving biodiversity
- Strengthening groundwater recharge
- Increasing the resilience of the forest ecosystem
Connecting the Six Forest Clusters
One of the most important priorities should be to link the six existing forest clusters.
A connected forest landscape allows wildlife to move freely, improves genetic and ecological connectivity, supports greater biodiversity and creates healthier habitats.
This connectivity should be developed gradually and scientifically through proper ecological planning, native plantations and habitat restoration.
Water: The Lifeline of Mattewara
Water availability is fundamental to the survival and restoration of the Mattewara ecosystem.
Although the Mattewara Drain physically connects the different forest clusters, it often remains dry. Maintaining a continuous and sustainable flow of water through the drain, including the construction of check dams at suitable locations, can play a critical role in supporting the ecosystem.
Such measures can help with:
- Plantation survival
- Wildlife habitat development
- Groundwater recharge
- Wetland restoration
- Reduction of soil erosion
- Overall ecological health
The two existing water holes within the forest should also be regularly replenished and properly maintained so that wildlife has access to water throughout the year.
Solar-Powered Irrigation: A Sustainable Solution
Several borewells already exist within the forest.
The Forest Department has also been provided with a mobile solar-powered irrigation system with a 3 HP pump, through the generous support of Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
Such renewable-energy-based irrigation systems can provide a sustainable solution for watering plantations, particularly in locations where conventional electricity infrastructure is impractical or environmentally undesirable.
Permanent electric infrastructure inside dense forest areas should preferably be avoided. Temporary electricity connections may, however, be considered for newly established plantation sites during their initial development phase.
There is also a need to install additional solar-panel systems with suitably sized motors at appropriate locations across the forest.
Environmentally Sensitive Infrastructure Development
The forest is traversed by four rural roads connecting nearby villages.
In addition, a highway overbridge covering approximately 2–3 km is under construction and requires priority for completion.
Future infrastructure development in and around Mattewara must be planned carefully so that it does not adversely affect:
- Wildlife movement
- Forest connectivity
- Natural drainage
- Floodplain ecology
- Biodiversity
- Ecological continuity
Development and conservation must go hand in hand.
Reviving the Butterfly Park and Botanical Garden
The existing Butterfly Park and Botanical Garden are valuable assets for the region. Although beautifully landscaped, they presently face inadequate maintenance because of limited funds.
With proper investment and management, these facilities could become important centres for:
- Biodiversity conservation
- Environmental education
- Scientific research
- Nature awareness
- Butterfly conservation
- Eco-tourism
They can also serve as living classrooms where children, students and visitors learn about Punjab’s natural heritage.
Controlling Invasive Species and Forest Fires
Large portions of the Mattewara forest are currently affected by invasive weeds and Pahari Keeker (Prosopis juliflora).
A sustained, scientifically managed programme is required to gradually remove invasive vegetation and replace it with indigenous native tree species.
Dry weeds also create a significant risk of forest fires, particularly during the dry season.
A comprehensive fire-management system should therefore include:
- Modern fire-prevention systems
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Trained forest personnel
- Fire lines
- Fire-safe lanes
- Regular removal of dry vegetation
- Early-warning mechanisms
- Community participation
Protecting the forest from fire must become an essential component of its long-term restoration strategy.
Protecting Mattewara’s Biodiversity
Despite the challenges it faces, the Mattewara landscape continues to support considerable biodiversity.
Native trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, butterflies and numerous other species depend upon this ecosystem.
The conservation of Mattewara is therefore not simply about planting trees. It is about restoring an entire living ecosystem and ensuring that its natural biodiversity can thrive for generations.
Transforming Abandoned Infrastructure into Conservation Assets
Some abandoned infrastructure near the Botanical Garden could be thoughtfully redeveloped to support conservation, research and public awareness.
Potential facilities could include:
- Ecological research centres
- Biodiversity interpretation centres
- Training facilities
- Nature education campuses
- Eco-friendly cafés
- Visitor amenities
- Environmental learning centres
- Eco-tourism infrastructure
Such facilities could create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods while simultaneously encouraging responsible tourism and conservation.
The Satluj: An Opportunity for Responsible Eco-Tourism
The adjoining River Satluj further increases the potential of the region for carefully regulated nature-based activities.
With appropriate ecological safeguards, the area could support:
- Wetland conservation
- Bird watching
- Nature trails
- Environmental education
- Biodiversity awareness
- Scientific research
- Selected eco-friendly water recreation activities
Any tourism development must remain subordinate to the ecological carrying capacity of the area.
Eco-tourism should support conservation—not compromise it.
No Room for Polluting Industrial Expansion
The ecological integrity of Mattewara must remain a priority.
Industrial expansion, polluting activities and unplanned urbanisation around the Mattewara Jungles and adjoining floodplains should be strictly prohibited.
The forests and floodplains should be protected as Punjab’s ecological lungs and natural heritage landscape.
Once destroyed, such ecosystems cannot simply be recreated.
A Mission for Collective Adoption
The restoration of the Mattewara Jungles cannot be achieved by the Forest Department alone.
It requires a broad partnership involving:
- Government departments
- Corporate CSR initiatives
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Environmental organisations
- NGOs
- Local communities
- Schools and colleges
- Civil society
- Responsible citizens
Establish an “Adopt Mattewara Jungles Mission”
The Government should establish an “Adopt Mattewara Jungles Mission” under a structured Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
Under such a programme, organisations could adopt and support specific areas or conservation initiatives, including:
- Plantation blocks
- Biodiversity parks
- Water bodies
- Butterfly habitats
- Research projects
- Solar irrigation systems
- Fire-management systems
- Visitor facilities
- Ecological restoration programmes
All such initiatives should be implemented under the guidance and supervision of the Forest Department and in accordance with scientifically developed ecological plans.
Role of Universities and Research Institutions
Universities and research institutions can make a significant contribution through long-term scientific programmes.
Areas of research could include:
- Ecological monitoring
- Biodiversity assessment
- Climate-resilience studies
- Groundwater assessment
- Soil and wetland studies
- Wildlife monitoring
- Habitat restoration
- Native species research
- Forest-fire risk assessment
A long-term scientific database for Mattewara would help policymakers and conservation managers make informed decisions.
Role of Corporate CSR
Corporate organisations can contribute through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes by supporting:
- Native plantation drives
- Solar irrigation systems
- Water conservation
- Check dams
- Fire-management infrastructure
- Biodiversity restoration
- Butterfly conservation
- Environmental education
- Eco-friendly visitor infrastructure
A structured CSR framework can transform corporate participation from one-time plantation drives into long-term ecosystem stewardship.
Role of Citizens and Communities
The success of Mattewara’s restoration will ultimately depend upon community participation.
Citizens, schools, colleges, universities, NGOs and volunteers can contribute through:
- Tree plantation
- Plantation maintenance
- Biodiversity monitoring
- Awareness campaigns
- Forest-cleaning initiatives
- Fire-prevention awareness
- Wildlife protection
- Environmental education
The people of Punjab should have an opportunity to become active custodians of this priceless natural heritage.
The Way Forward
The Mattewara Jungles possess the potential to become one of India’s finest examples of:
Ecological Restoration • Biodiversity Conservation • Climate Resilience • Environmental Education • Sustainable Eco-Tourism
Their revival can strengthen Punjab’s water security, improve air quality, conserve biodiversity, create green employment opportunities and preserve an irreplaceable historical and spiritual legacy.
The objective should not simply be to plant more trees.
The objective should be to restore a healthy, connected and self-sustaining forest ecosystem.
Protect Mattewara. Restore Mattewara. Adopt Mattewara.
Protecting the Mattewara Jungles is not merely about saving a forest—it is about safeguarding Punjab’s ecological future for generations to come.
The time has come for the Government, institutions, businesses, communities and citizens to come together and make the restoration of Mattewara a shared mission.
