Environmental Group PAC Initiates 'Shivalik Morcha' to Protect Punjab's Sensitive Foothills
In a significant move to address growing ecological concerns, the environment organisation Public Action Committee (PAC) has announced the launch of 'Shivalik Morcha', a public campaign aimed at safeguarding the Shivalik hills. This initiative comes as a direct response to recent policy decisions that permit construction and regularisation in the foothill areas, which environmental science identifies as Punjab's most sensitive and erosion-prone ecological belt.
Mahashivratri Chosen for Launch Due to Spiritual and Cultural Significance
The campaign was deliberately launched on the day of Mahashivratri, reflecting the deep spiritual and cultural association of the Shivalik Hills with Lord Shiva. For generations, these foothills have symbolised balance, restraint, and reverence for natural systems, making this timing particularly poignant. PAC emphasised that the Shivalik belt is far more than just a geographic region; it serves as a natural barrier against soil erosion and flash runoff, a critical groundwater recharge zone for Punjab's plains, a biodiversity-supporting forest landscape, and a stabilising ecological shield for agriculture downstream.
Historical Context and Colonial Recognition of Ecological Importance
Over a century ago, the British administration enacted the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) specifically to prevent degradation of these fragile foothills. Even colonial administrators recognised that disturbing this terrain would destabilise the plains and weaken agricultural prosperity. They treated the Shivaliks as a natural system whose value lay in protection rather than short-term extraction, highlighting the long-standing understanding of its ecological significance.
Current Threats and Legal Challenges
PAC has expressed serious concerns over the construction of permanent structures, road paving, slope alteration, and land fragmentation in such fragile terrain, all undertaken without comprehensive scientific appraisal. These activities risk long-term and irreversible environmental damage. The matter is currently sub judice, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recording that no allotments or permissions shall be granted pursuant to the impugned notification until further orders. Simultaneously, a writ petition challenging the policy is under consideration before the High Court, adding a legal dimension to the environmental advocacy.
Campaign Goals and Broader Implications
PAC clarified that Shivalik Morcha is not directed against development per se. Instead, it is a call for development that complies with environmental law, scientific assessment, and constitutional safeguards. The organisation stated, "The Shivaliks are Punjab's last ecological shield. If these hills are destabilised, the consequences will extend beyond the slopes — affecting soil health, water security, and disaster resilience across the plains." This campaign underscores the urgent need to balance progress with preservation, ensuring that Punjab's ecological heritage is protected for future generations.
