The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken action against Punjab following claims of illegal felling of khair trees in Rupnagar district. The case, brought by social activist Pardeep Sharma through advocates Naginder Benipal and Udit Baghel, alleges that around 150 khair trees were cut down in January 2023, with local sources suggesting that the actual number may be as high as 5,000 trees. The operation is reportedly linked to a 'timber mafia' and implicates senior forest officials in collusion, raising alarm over significant ecological damage, including loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction in the Shivalik foothills. The petition cites violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and references a December 2025 order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court that restricts tree felling without court approval due to Punjab's low forest cover of just 3.67%. The NGT has been urged to form an independent committee to investigate the matter, assess environmental damage, and prosecute those responsible for the illegal activities.