A recent controversy surrounding the Sirhind Canal widening project in Punjab’s Ludhiana district has put it under criticism for allegedly violating environmental norms and causing severe damage in the Machhiwara forest. Activists and locals have charged the irrigation department with illegally felling trees, mining soil, and harming wildlife. The controversy prompted the Public Action Committee (PAC), a coalition of 50 environmental NGOs, to move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 21, seeking legal action and environmental compensation.
PAC Demands Accountability and Compensation
“The PAC has sought registration of an FIR and imposition of environmental compensation on the principal secretary and executive engineer of the state irrigation department,” says PAC member Amandeep Singh Bains.
The project aims to enhance the water capacity of the canal from 12,000 cusecs to 15,600 cusecs. The work includes widening and concreting a 1.5 km stretch in Ludhiana’s Doraha area. However, activists claim that the work has caused severe damage to the forest, which is of historical and cultural importance.
Environmental Damage: Trees Uprooted and Wildlife Harmed
During a general inspection of PAC from Garthali Bridge up to the railway crossing of the Sirhind Canal, heavy destruction of the environment was observed. “We have found trees are being axed, soil being illegally mined, and batching plants releasing pollution. Roots of trees damaged with the habitat disruption,” said Kapil Arora of the PAC.
Cement dust from batching plants has spread across the forest, and two protected rat snakes were reportedly killed. Residents under the banner of Punjab Nehar Lehar have also protested, highlighting the destruction of fully grown trees and wildlife casualties. “Snakes and rodents were killed as trees were uprooted. What’s shocking is the inaction from the forest department and police,” said Samita Kaur, a resident.
Sacred Sites and Historical Significance at Stake
The Machhiwara forest, where the ninth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh is said to have rested after the Battle of Chamkaur, holds immense historical and cultural value. This site also accommodates the sacred ‘Beri Sahib’ tree near the Gurudwara Katana Sahib. Activists say that such environmental violations prove a lack of respect for these crucial landmarks.
It is really disturbing how insensitive the government is regarding the environment, especially in a state like Punjab, which already has one of the lowest green cover percentages in the country,” said Jaskirat Singh, a PAC member.
Forests Department Admits Negligence
District forest officials admitted negligence by the irrigation department and contractors but reported only 50 trees fell. Activists, however, estimate much higher numbers. Though DFO Rajesh Gulati filed a complaint with Doraha police last week, no action has been taken so far, nor have penalties been levied against violators.
Concerns Over Sirhind Canal Lining
The concrete lining is intended to enhance water flow towards the tail end of the canal. Activists claim this would be stopping recharge to groundwater, further deteriorating the water crisis in the state. Jaskirat Singh of PAC said, “The bigger loss will be that the recharge of groundwater will stop.”
The Sirhind Canal was able to carry 23,000 cusecs of water during the floods in 2023, and activists asked if widening was not needed with proper surveys. Instead of widening, the irrigation department should have cleared the sand deposited in the canal bed, which would have increased capacity and generated revenue for the state, they added.