Punjab approves draft of The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 to safeguard urban greenery, impose fines, and fund environmental projects.
On Wednesday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s proposal for the writing of “The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025” had been approved by the state finance department.
In a news release released here, the Finance Minister announced this important decision, stating that the Act guarantees the state’s legislative commitment to tree preservation and is a major step towards urban greening and environmental conservation. He emphasized that the state’s efforts to fight environmental degradation will be strengthened by the draft legislation, which calls for strict measures and hefty fines for unapproved tree-cutting.
Also read: Punjab Government Suspends Amritsar Rural SSP for Laxity Against Gangsters
“The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 draft has been carefully examined by us. In addition to formally reaffirming our dedication to preserving urban green space, the Forest Department has attested that its execution won’t put an additional financial strain on the state coffers, Cheema stated.
The Finance Minister emphasized the Bill’s financial component, stating that the Act’s purpose is to raise money through fines and penalties. “There will be a self-sustaining mechanism for environmental development and maintenance throughout Punjab as these funds are strategically channeled back into urban areas specifically for greening projects,” he continued.
Cheema added that the quick adoption of the draft bill demonstrates the state government’s commitment to fulfilling its legal and environmental responsibilities, reinforcing the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to passing effective laws for tree preservation. The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025 would now go through the required legislative process, he said, opening the door for its presentation to the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet.