Court Bans Tree Felling in Punjab, Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a comprehensive ban on tree felling in Punjab through a significant interim order. This judicial intervention addresses public interest litigations that highlighted widespread violations of environmental laws.

The ruling comes as both states grapple with alarmingly low forest cover, with Punjab at about 3.67% and Haryana at 3.63%. The court's decision aims to mitigate further ecological damage and signifies a critical effort to balance development imperatives with the urgent need for environmental preservation in these agrarian regions.

This landmark order promotes sustainable growth and may prompt proactive measures in Punjab and Haryana to combat issues like deteriorating air quality, soil erosion, and increased climate vulnerability. The court's directive emphasizes the importance of afforestation reports and permissions, encouraging smart greening strategies that integrate tree planting into urban and infrastructure development.