Punjab Drafts ‘Protection of Trees Act, 2025’
Chandigarh – The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab, is preparing the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 to safeguard urban greenery and improve environmental health. The draft law seeks to regulate tree felling in cities, conserve soil, and curb pollution while maintaining ecological balance across the state.
According to officials, the Act will apply to all urban areas under municipal bodies, Nagar Councils, Notified Area Committees, Town Area Committees, and Urban Development Authorities. It also introduces the role of a Tree Officer—an executive officer in local bodies or another state-notified official—responsible for overseeing tree protection.
Under Section 4, no person will be allowed to cut, remove, or dispose of a tree in urban limits unless it is dead, has naturally fallen, or is declared hazardous. Section 5 specifies the conditions for felling, while Section 9 prescribes penalties for violations.
Removing Hazardous Trees, Expanding Green Cover
At a departmental review meeting in Chandigarh, Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak was informed that dried, dead, and dangerous trees posing risks to human life are being removed in a phased manner. In the first phase, 25,000 dry trees will be felled to reduce potential hazards.
The minister lauded the department for exceeding its plantation targets. Against an initial goal of 80.5 lakh saplings, 90 lakh saplings have been planted across Punjab’s 23 districts. The plantation drive also marked the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Each district was tasked with planting 3.5 lakh saplings.
Kataruchak highlighted that such large-scale plantation efforts are vital for ensuring ecological sustainability. He said urban expansion and industrial growth must go hand in hand with environmental conservation.
Plantation Along Highways and District Initiatives
The minister also reviewed ongoing plantation drives along state highways. Special emphasis has been placed on roads in Ropar, particularly Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, around Khatkar Kalan—the ancestral village of the freedom fighter. Similar projects are underway in Sangrur, Pathankot, and Amritsar.
During a video conference with Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), Sangrur was praised for leading in highway plantation efforts. Kataruchak urged officials to execute the program with full dedication to achieve long-term ecological gains.
Forest officials noted that the dual-sided plantation along highways will not only improve greenery but also help curb vehicular pollution and reduce soil erosion.
Cultural and Educational Initiatives
The meeting also saw decisions beyond forestry. The minister approved new categories for poetry contests commemorating poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi. As per the revision, Classes 1–5 will form the Primary category, Classes 6–8 the Secondary, and Classes 9–12 the Senior Secondary group.
Officials including Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Chairman Rakesh Puri, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dharminder Sharma, and senior officers from PUNCAMPA and the Wildlife Division also attended.
Looking Ahead
Experts believe the proposed Act will strengthen urban environmental governance in Punjab. By linking strict penalties with strong plantation targets, the state hopes to balance development with ecological sustainability.
With urban centers expanding rapidly, Punjab faces rising pollution and shrinking green cover. The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 aims to address these challenges, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.