Court mandates permission for tree felling to counteract ecological degradation in Punjab.
In a significant ruling aimed at addressing the ecological concerns of Punjab, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued an order prohibiting the cutting of any tree across the state without prior permission from the court. This decision was rendered in response to Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed against the cutting of 251 trees for the construction of roundabouts in SAS Nagar, Mohali.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, expressed grave concern over the state's dwindling forest cover, which stands at a mere 3.67% of the geographical area. This is alarmingly lower than even the forest cover of Rajasthan, known for its arid conditions, which is at 4.87%.
The petitions highlighted that tenders had been issued for the auctioning of the right to cut these trees, to facilitate the construction of roundabouts at various key junctions in SAS Nagar, Mohali. The court, observing the inaction and apparent negligence of state authorities in addressing these ecological issues, deemed it necessary to implement drastic measures to prevent further environmental degradation.
Until the next hearing, scheduled for January 19, 2026, no trees, irrespective of their age or species, can be felled without the express permission of the court. The Senior Deputy Advocate General of Punjab, Mr. Salil Sabhlok, has been instructed to ensure that the relevant state authorities comply with the court's directives and halt any ongoing tree cutting activities.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's proactive stance in environmental conservation, emphasizing the urgent need to protect what little forest cover remains in Punjab. The court's decision is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that ecological considerations are prioritized in developmental activities.
Bottom Line:
Environmental Law - Court prohibits cutting of any tree in the State of Punjab without its permission to address ecological concerns and forest cover depletion.
Statutory provision(s): Environmental Law, Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Praneet Kaur v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2827833
