Give Directions To Forest Department To Frame Policy On Illegal Tree Felling, Adopt Modalities From Delhi Tree Protection Act: NGT To Punjab

The principal bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Punjab to issue instructuctions to Forest Department to frame policy on illegal tree felling in Punjab.

The bench of Acting Chairperson Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Dr. A. Senthil Vel said, “we direct Chief Secretary, Punjab to issue a proper instruction to Forest Department to formulate the policy of such incidents (illegal tree felling) and the modalities may be adopted from Tree Protection Act of Delhi in addition to some other modifications required and thought by the authorities concerned.”

These directions were made while hearing a plea against illegal tree felling in Ludhiana, Punjab and alleged inaction of State authorities.

It was submitted that trees are illegally cut in violation of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 and Article 51A of the Constitution.

The matter was taken up by the Tribunal and a report was called from a joint Committee consisting Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (HoFF), Punjab, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar.

In the report, the committee recorded some incidents of illegal cutting of trees and stated that, “There is no legal provision or any mechanism to penalize the offenders involved in illicit felling/lopping/pruning of trees.”

It also recommended that, “the Forest Department should be directed to formulate the policy and guidelines for such activities.”

While listing the matter to November 08, it said, “In the meanwhile, the Forest Department shall take appropriate action with regard to such incidents and proper remedial measures would be taken for cutting of trees and protection of trees. Policies and guidelines so formulated be submitted to this Tribunal within three months.”

Case Title: Kuldeep Singh Khaira & Ors. V. State of Punjab & Ors.

Appearance: Kapil Dev & Kuldeep Singh Khaira, Applicants in Person