Why a proposed mega textile park in Ludhiana under PM MITRA scheme is facing opposition

Context

A proposal to set up a mega textile park in Punjab's industrial hub, Ludhiana, has been red-flagged by locals, environmentalists and even some political leaders.

About

About the project:

A Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Park, under the PM-MITRA scheme, has been proposed to be set up in Ludhiana.
The land required for the project, being undertaken jointly by the Centre and the state government, falls near the Mattewara forest and on the river Sutlej floodplains.
The ‘objective of the project’ as ‘sustainable industrialisation’ that does not harm the environment to ‘meet the United Nations sustainable development goal 9.’

Opposition to the Project:

It touches Mattewara forest from two sides, and also borders river Sutlej on one
There are fears that the project would not only disturb the biodiversity of the protected forest, but might also lead to chemical discharge from factories into the river.

Mattewara forest

The Mattewara Forest, spread over 2300 acres, is home to many birds, monkeys, deer, sambar, antelopes, wild boar, Nilgai, and peacocks.
The Botanical & Butterfly Garden is one of the finest and fastest developing gardens being maintained by the Forest Division of Ludhiana.
Mattewara forest is also part of natural corridors for big cats. For instance, leopards passing through the jungles of Anandpur Sahib and Ropar area can be spotted at Mattewara.
Despite being rich in biodiversity, the forest was never moved from the protected forest category to a more stringent reserved forest or wildlife sanctuary category, which would have prevented commercial and residential activities in the surrounding area.

Pradhan Mantri - Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks Scheme (PM MITRA)

PM MITRA is inspired by the 5F vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister.
The ‘5F’ Formula encompasses –
Farm to fibre
fibre to factory
factory to fashion
fashion to foreign
This integrated vision will help furthering the growth of textile sector in the economy.
No other competing nation has a complete textile ecosystem like us. India is strong in all five Fs.