Mattewara Conservation Through Water

To
Sant Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal Ji
Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Punjab

Subject: Release of Water into Mattewara Drain for the Sustainability of Mattewara Jungles, Biodiversity, Native Plantation Drive, and Recharge of Aquifers on the Floodplains of River Satluj

Respected Baba Ji,

With utmost respect and humble regards, we wish to recall our meeting with you on 28 May 2026 at Nirmal Kutia, Village Seechewal during which we requested the release of water into the Mattewara Drain for sustaining the ongoing Native Tree Plantation Drive, conserving the existing Mattewara Jungles, and protecting the rich biodiversity of the region. We remain grateful that you kindly appreciated the importance of this issue and assured us that the matter would be taken up with the concerned officers of the Drainage Department.

Baba Ji, the Mattewara Jungles are one of Punjab’s most valuable ecological assets. They serve as the green lungs of the region, supporting thousands of native trees, wildlife, birds, wetlands, and countless other life forms. These forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, improving air quality, moderating local temperatures, and preserving the natural heritage of Punjab for future generations.

The ongoing plantation of native species can become successful only if an adequate and continuous supply of water is ensured during the establishment period. Without sufficient moisture, a significant portion of these plantations may not survive, resulting in the loss of valuable public efforts, resources, and community participation devoted to this noble environmental mission.
The regular release of water into the Mattewara Drain will also facilitate the recharge of groundwater aquifers across the floodplains of the River Satluj. This natural recharge is essential for improving groundwater availability, restoring soil moisture, strengthening surrounding agricultural ecosystems, and enhancing the long-term water security of the region. Healthy floodplains act as natural reservoirs that support sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Such an initiative will further contribute towards:

• Conservation and restoration of Mattewara Jungles and their biodiversity.
• Successful growth of the ongoing native tree plantation drives.
• Recharge of groundwater aquifers and restoration of the natural hydrological cycle.
• Improvement in the ecological health of the River Satluj floodplains.
• Mitigation of climate change impacts through enhanced carbon sequestration and green cover.
• Promotion of Punjab’s vision of a Smart, Sustainable and Green Mission through community participation and environmental stewardship.

Your lifelong commitment towards environmental conservation, river rejuvenation, and sustainable development has inspired countless citizens across Punjab. We are confident that, under your kind guidance and intervention, this vital ecological requirement will receive due consideration.

We, therefore, humbly request your goodself to kindly issue suitable directions to the concerned authorities for ensuring the regular and continuous release of water from the Sirhind Canal near Chamkaur Sahib into the Mattewara Drain. This timely intervention will greatly strengthen the restoration of the Mattewara ecosystem and help secure a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for Punjab.

We shall remain deeply grateful for your kind support and leadership in this noble cause.

With highest regards and humble request.

Sincerely yours,
Col CM Lakhanpal
Member, PAC – Mattewara Jungles, River Satluj & Buddha Darya, Ludhiana
Mobile: 94171 38044