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Fatehgarh Sahib Court Faces Tree Removal Controversy
9 Sep
Summary
- Petition filed over illegal felling of 50-year-old trees
- Trees being cut without legal sanction or environmental clearance
- Cutting continues despite appeals to authorities
On September 6, 2025, the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a notice to the Punjab government in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the "indiscriminate and illegal" felling of fully grown trees inside the District Judicial Complex in Fatehgarh Sahib.
The PIL, filed by Fatehgarh Sahib resident Harshpreet Singh, claims that nearly 50 green trees, some over 50 years old, are being cut "without any legal sanction, environmental clearance, or adherence to the Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Government and Public Lands - 2024" framed by the Punjab government. The petitioner argues that the act is in complete violation of the state's rules, which mandate securing funds for compensatory plantation before cutting any trees.
The court has asked the state to file its reply and posted the matter for further hearing on September 29. According to the petition, more than 10 trees have already been felled, and the cutting "continues unchecked" despite repeated appeals to the authorities. The plea warns of severe environmental consequences, including disruption of the ecological balance and potential contribution to natural calamities like floods.
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The petitioner has sought directions to stop further cutting of trees, compensate for those already removed, and initiate action for violation of environmental norms.
