Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders Complete Ban on Tree Cutting in Punjab

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has imposed a statewide prohibition on tree cutting in Punjab without prior court permission, highlighting the state’s critically low forest cover of just 3.67%.

Hearing PILs concerning the proposed cutting of 251 trees in Mohali, the Court observed serious ecological negligence on the part of State authorities.

Calling the situation an impending environmental catastrophe, the Bench ordered an immediate halt to all tree-cutting activities across Punjab until further orders.

The matter will be reviewed on 19 January.

[Praneet Kaur v. State of Punjab & Ors.]