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NGT notice to Punjab over alleged illegal felling of 150 khair trees; hearing scheduled for August 5
The National Green Tribunal issued a notice to Punjab in a case alleging large-scale illegal felling of khair trees in Rupnagar district. The plea raises concerns of ecological damage and possible collusion with forest officials, with a hearing set for August 5. Earlier developments include a December 2025 High Court order restricting tree felling and a January 2026 vigilance probe.
Why It Matters
The case involves potential ecological damage in a sensitive Shivalik region and hints at governance concerns within the forest department, prompting scrutiny of legal safeguards and enforcement.
Timeline
3 Events
NGT notice to Punjab in case of alleged felling of khair trees; hearing scheduled
April 20, 2026
The National Green Tribunal issued a notice to Punjab after a case alleging large-scale illegal felling of khair trees in Rupnagar district was brought before its principal bench in New Delhi. The matter is listed for hearing on August 5. The plea alleges collusion with senior forest officials and seeks an independent joint committee to investigate, along with environmental damage assessment and restoration.
Vigilance probe and January inspections into alleged felling
January 2026
In January 2026, the vigilance department initiated a probe after taking suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging funds from illegal activities were used to renovate a divisional forest officer’s official residence, with nearly ₹20 lakh reportedly spent without proper sanction. The plea also notes that initial inspections by forest officials confirmed illegal felling of around 150 khair trees, while local inputs suggest 2,000 to 5,000 trees may have been cut.
Punjab HC order restricting tree felling without court approval (Dec 24, 2025)
December 24, 2025
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued an order on December 24, 2025, imposing a blanket restriction on tree felling in the state without prior court approval. The order flagged Punjab’s low forest cover, estimated at 3.67%, and warned of an ecological crisis.