Ludhiana, January 19: On Sunday, the Public Action Committee (PAC) organised a yatra to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect Machhiwara forests and the environment. The march began at Charan Kawal Sahib Gurudwara and concluded at the historic Beri near Katana Sahib. Several groups, including “We Support Our Farmers,” “Water Warriors,” representatives from Kisan Unions, and local village leaders, actively participated in the event.
The primary focus of the yatra was to oppose the government’s proposed canal expansion and concretization project. Participants voiced concerns over the project, highlighting its lack of transparency and absence of public input. They warned that the initiative could severely impact the Machhiwara forest, a site of deep historical and spiritual significance, believed to be the resting place of Guru Gobind Singh Ji during his journey to Damdama Sahib after the battle of Chamkaur.
PAC spokesperson Kuldeep Khaira strongly criticized the project, stating, “The destruction of this forest would not only harm the environment but also show disregard for our cultural and historical heritage.”
Other speakers emphasized the forest’s ecological and cultural value, urging the government to suspend the project and conduct a detailed review of its potential consequences.
The yatra concluded with a collective appeal to prioritize the preservation of the Machhiwara forest. PAC and its allies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the region’s natural and historical legacy, vowing to continue their efforts to safeguard this invaluable resource.
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