Punjab and Haryana High Court Upholds Lawful Tree Felling by DLF, Mandates Strict Afforestation

Court confirms compliance with environmental laws, orders planting of 10 times the trees felled in Gurugram project.

In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has validated the tree-felling permissions granted to Delhi Land & Finance (DLF) for its development project in Gurugram, while also mandating stringent compliance with afforestation conditions. This decision stems from the court's suo motu cognizance of environmental concerns reported in a news article published by The Tribune on June 12, 2025.

The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, examined the case under Civil Writ Petition-PIL No. 146 of 2025. The court's intervention was prompted by allegations of unlawful tree cutting in the Aravalli Hills region, which serves as a crucial green lung for the densely urbanized Gurugram area.

The court evaluated affidavits and reports submitted by the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gurugram, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram, and DLF, among others. The Deputy Conservator's affidavit clarified that the land in question did not fall within protected or reserved forest areas, nor was it covered under any specific environmental notifications. The court found that permissions for tree felling were granted following due legal processes, with DLF obligated to plant 10 times the number of trees felled.

DLF's affidavit reiterated its compliance with all environmental safeguards and conditions, emphasizing that the land had been privately owned since 1989 and was not part of any protected forest area. They assured the court of their commitment to afforestation efforts, intending to plant approximately 28,000 trees during the monsoon season.

Interveners, including local residents and environmental activists, voiced concerns over the environmental impact of the project, arguing for the preservation of Gurugram's greenery. However, the court, relying on official statements and evidence, found no legal violations in DLF's actions, thus declining further judicial intervention at this stage.

The court directed state authorities to ensure that DLF complies with the afforestation conditions, emphasizing the importance of planting 10 times the trees within the vicinity of the project. The judgment also allows for the potential revival of the PIL should there be any future non-compliance with the court's directives.

With this ruling, the court underscored the balance between developmental projects and environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal frameworks for environmental conservation.

Bottom Line:

Suo-motu cognizance of environmental concerns regarding tree felling by private developers-Court relied on affidavits and reports stating the land did not fall under protected or reserved forest areas, and tree felling permissions were granted lawfully subject to conditions of afforestation.

Statutory provision(s): Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, Haryana Land Preservation Act, 1900.

Court on its own motion v. State of Hayana, (Punjab And Haryana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2751773