It is very disturbing to hear that Punjab government is planning to use Mattewara Forest area for industrial expansion. Our state badly needs more green space as the pollution and health risks are rising at an alarming rate. We should preserve and expand forest area rather than finish it. There is only 4% forest area left in the state and in fact, in 2014, Punjab government had decided to preserve and expand Mattewara forest and to develop that as a wildlife refuge. Therefore, we appeal to chief minister Amarinder Singh to please reconsider this decision. We are committed to increasing forest area in Punjab and would be happy to work with Punjab government.

It is the duty of people of Punjab to stop this from happening. Otherwise, our future generations will not forgive us.