NGT Issues Notice to Punjab Over Alleged Illegal Felling of Khair Trees
NGT notice to Punjab over ‘felling’ of 150 khair trees
Hindustan Times
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to Punjab regarding the alleged illegal felling of approximately 150 khair trees in Rupnagar district. Concerns have been raised about environmental degradation and collusion within the forest department, with local reports suggesting that up to 5,000 trees may have been cut down.
- 01NGT notice issued to Punjab over illegal felling of khair trees.
- 02Allegations involve collusion with forest officials and a 'timber mafia'.
- 03Initial inspections confirmed the felling of around 150 trees, but local reports suggest 2,000 to 5,000 trees cut.
- 04The case highlights violations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- 05A comprehensive environmental damage assessment and prosecution of responsible parties have been requested.
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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.
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The illegal felling of trees could lead to severe ecological consequences, impacting local biodiversity and soil stability in the Shivalik region.
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