Mattewara forest to be developed as nature reserve

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government plans to develop the Mattewara forest as a nature reserve with an aim to conserve natural resources around Ludhiana for the benefit of people and develop the industrial town as a green city.

It has been planned to develop Mattewara forests as a compact block of forest, an official spokesman said here today.

The proposed Mattewara Wildlife Nature Reserve is an initiative of the Punjab government to conserve natural resources around Ludhiana for the benefit of people and with the objective of developing the industrial town as the greenest city, he said.

The project shall induce sensitiveness in public towards conservation of nature and environment for posterity.

"It shall be a unique type of project which will be ecologically sustainable and will be a centre of education, recreation and public awareness," he said.

The vast area in Mattewara forests is still open which could provide sufficient space to the deer for roaming, he said.

Keeping in view this fact, it is proposed that the excess population of deer (approximately 500) propagating in various zoos and rescued fauna in the state shall be released in this reserve.

The spokesman said an 8-km-long nature trail is also proposed. The trail will be equipped with educative, awareness-creating sign boards.

He said a botanical garden shall be developed to increase public awareness about plant science and medicinal plants.