Guardians of the Shivaliks
The Public Action Committee (PAC) has initiated a significant public drive known as 'Shivalik Morcha' to champion the cause of the Shivalik hills. This
region holds profound cultural resonance, being traditionally revered as the dwelling place of Lord Shiva, while also being recognized by environmentalists as Punjab's most ecologically sensitive zone, particularly prone to soil erosion. The PAC emphasizes that the Shivalik belt transcends mere geographical definition; it functions as a crucial natural defense against land degradation and sudden floodwaters. Furthermore, it plays an indispensable role in replenishing the state's groundwater reserves, sustaining a rich tapestry of biodiversity within its forests, and acting as a stabilizing ecological buffer for agricultural lands situated in the plains below. The initiative underscores a historical precedent, dating back over a century to the British colonial era when the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) was enacted precisely to prevent the deterioration of these delicate foothills, acknowledging their protective value for the wider region's stability and agricultural prosperity.
Ecological Alarm Bells
Recent policy shifts allowing construction and the regularization of existing structures within the foothill areas of the Shivaliks have ignited serious environmental concerns among the PAC. They highlight that introducing permanent constructions, paving slopes, altering natural gradients, and fragmenting land in this sensitive terrain, without rigorous scientific assessment, poses a significant risk of causing irreparable long-term ecological damage. The situation is currently under judicial review, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) having issued directives that no new allocations or permissions will be granted based on the contentious notification until further court orders are issued. Concurrently, a separate legal challenge questioning the validity of these policies is actively being considered by the High Court, underscoring the gravity of the environmental issues at stake and the widespread opposition to potential degradation of this vital ecological zone.
Development with Responsibility
The PAC has clarified that the 'Shivalik Morcha' is not an anti-development movement. Instead, through this campaign, they aim to vigorously advocate for the stringent enforcement of existing forest and environmental regulations within the Shivalik belt. A key objective is to promote thorough scientific evaluation and transparent decision-making processes before any irreversible changes are made to land use in the region. The campaign also seeks to galvanize widespread public support, uniting citizens, religious leaders, farmers, and experts to collectively safeguard this vulnerable ecological area. Furthermore, a crucial component involves raising awareness about the profound intergenerational ecological risks associated with neglecting the preservation of these hills, emphasizing a long-term perspective on sustainability and environmental stewardship for future generations.
Spiritual Roots, Ecological Future
Jaskirat Singh, a spokesperson for the PAC, highlighted the profound spiritual and cultural connections these hills share with Lord Shiva, noting that the announcement of the 'Shivalik Morcha' coincided with Mahashivratri. The very name 'Shivalik' is derived from Shiva, symbolizing sacred mountains and a harmonious relationship with nature. For numerous generations, these foothills have been emblematic of balance, restraint, and a deep-seated reverence for natural systems. This spiritual significance imbues the campaign with an added layer of cultural importance, reinforcing the idea that protecting the Shivaliks is not just an environmental imperative but also a matter of cultural heritage and deep-seated tradition that deserves to be upheld and honored.
