Towards a green future? Punjab at the crossroads: Beyond the ballot box

By Bharat Dogra, Jagmohan Singh 

As Punjab hurtles toward its state assembly elections in February 2027, the familiar hum of political machinery has already begun. Political parties are busy calculating electoral arithmetic, forging potential alliances, and grappling with internal fissures. Simultaneously, various sections of society—from government employees to farmers—are amplifying their demands, hoping to capitalize on the pre-election season.

This is the normal rhythm of a vibrant democracy. However, as the electorate's attention sharpens, it is crucial to guard against the forces of narrow sectarianism that have, in the not-too-distant past, caused the state immense distress. Memories of that turbulent era remain fresh, and while the people of Punjab are resolute in their desire for peace, we must remain vigilant against any forces that seek to revive such divisive trends.

The pressing question is whether this critical pre-election period can be elevated beyond the politics of short-term gratification. The electoral discourse is often dominated by promises of immediate gains, while complex, long-term challenges are relegated to the background. This is where a comprehensive, people-centric agenda becomes essential—one that focuses on genuine reforms rather than the usual political rhetoric.

Consider the perennial issue of crop diversification. For decades, it has been discussed ad nauseam, yet recent reports suggest that paddy cultivation this kharif season is at a record high. Worse, the conversation is often co-opted by agribusiness interests who frame diversification through the lens of their own commercial needs, using ecological concerns as a smokescreen. True agro-ecological diversification—which addresses the existential crises of water overexploitation and plummeting soil fertility—is consistently sidelined. This is a tragic irony for a state whose rich spiritual heritage makes it uniquely suited to lead a people-based movement for agro-ecology. Instead of being a poster child for the ecologically damaging 'Green Revolution,' Punjab should have been a pioneer of sustainable, natural farming.

Similarly, the official agenda often suffers from a selective myopia. While the government's drive against addiction is well-publicized, it almost entirely ignores Punjab's alarmingly high alcohol consumption, despite its devastating health, social, and economic costs.

The people of Punjab have a glorious history of large-heartedness and sacrifice for noble causes, from the freedom movement to protecting the nation as a critical border state. Yet, somewhere along the way, mistakes were made and wrong trends emerged, exacerbated by forces beyond our borders. This led to avoidable distress and violence, with the peasantry bearing the brunt. This crisis is starkly reflected in the mounting indebtedness and tragic suicides of farmers. A study by Punjab Agricultural University reported close to 9,300 farmer suicides between 2000 and 2018 in just six districts, with debt being a primary driver for nearly 90% of these cases.

Learning from these past mistakes, Punjab must now chart a future path firmly anchored in justice, equality, and environmental protection.

The path of justice demands a renewed focus on creating a more equitable society. Government schemes that can reduce inequality must be strengthened and expanded, and new initiatives must fill critical gaps. This includes the long-neglected task of providing land to the landless—a challenge that demands creative solutions. The welfare of local and migrant workers must be prioritized, and urban housing policies must be reformed to genuinely address the needs of the poor and the middle class, ending the cruel practice of demolitions without providing adequate alternative shelter.

Environment and ecological regeneration must be the new cornerstone of Punjab's progress. This is not about an elitist environmentalism, but one that builds sustainable livelihoods for peasants and workers. It means protecting groundwater, restoring ponds and rivers, reducing air pollution, and promoting natural farming. Government subsidies must be redirected to incentivize eco-friendly practices rather than continuing to support harmful agricultural inputs. We need a holistic, integrated approach to ecological issues—replacing the current fragmented, half-hearted measures that tackle stubble burning or chemical hazards in isolation.

Encouragingly, grassroots movements are emerging—from protests against deforestation in Mattewara to efforts to protect the Satluj river. These initiatives must be nurtured and amplified, creating a strong, continuous peace and conservation movement.

This ecological transition must be supported by fair pricing and dedicated subsidies for farmers. Furthermore, it offers a pathway for value addition through village-level food processing units, connecting healthy produce directly with urban consumers. At a broader economic level, Punjab must revive its small industrial units, which offer labor-intensive, sustainable solutions to daily needs. The education and health sectors need urgent overhaul, and youth must be equipped to find creative, meaningful livelihoods within the state, curbing the desperate trend of seeking prospects solely abroad.

Above all, governance must be dramatically improved. Corruption and wasteful expenditure must be tackled. The fiscal health of the state must be restored to enable meaningful investment in its future. A genuine initiative to get the state's priorities right is the need of the hour—a correction of the distortions and imbalances that have plagued Punjab. This would also allow the vast Punjabi diaspora to contribute their resources to their beloved homeland in a manner aligned with these true priorities.

While these reforms are perpetually relevant, the months leading up to the elections are a particularly opportune moment to bring these most urgent issues to the forefront of public consciousness. Punjab stands at a crossroads; the choices made in the coming year will not just decide its political future, but its very soul.

---

Prof. Jagmohan Singh is Chairman, Shahid Bhagat Singh Centenary Foundation. Bharat Dogra is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. They have collaboratively authored several books on India's freedom movement and peace and development in Punjab