A joint committee formed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has identified significant illegal tree felling on government land in Barnala, Punjab. The committee's findings indicate that around 140 green and heritage trees, including species like neem and banyan, were cut down without the necessary permissions. This action was reportedly overseen by officials from the Barnala Improvement Trust. The committee's report, submitted on May 11, highlighted the lack of documentation and approvals for the felling, despite the land being classified as non-forest. During an inspection on April 30, the committee observed 76 standing trees and evidence of recent tree removal, but the total number of felled trees could not be conclusively determined due to the removal of most logs prior to inspection. Local residents have accused the Improvement Trust officials of orchestrating the illegal activity. The committee has urged the senior superintendent of police to file an FIR against the implicated officials for theft of public property and criminal breach of trust. Additionally, it has recommended disciplinary action against these officials and proposed compensatory plantation at a 1:5 ratio, requiring the planting of five saplings for each tree cut down.