Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Courts Halt Tree Felling in Punjab and Uttarakhand
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered a stop to all tree cutting in Punjab because some people are worried about too many trees being cut down.
Two people from Mohali filed complaints saying that trees are being cut for building things, and that Punjab doesn't have many trees to begin with.
The court said that cutting trees could make the air even more polluted and harm the environment.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is also upset because some people took over forest land in Uttarakhand, and the state government didn't do enough to stop it.
The Supreme Court wants the land to be taken back and has ordered an investigation.
Both cases will be heard again in January.
Punjab and Haryana High Court halts all tree felling in Punjab until next hearing on PILs by Mohali residents.
PILs challenge tree felling for development projects, citing environmental concerns and low forest cover in Punjab.
Supreme Court criticizes Uttarakhand authorities for not preventing forest land encroachment and orders an inquiry.
2,866 acres of forest land was leased to Pashulok Sewa Samiti in 1950, with 594 acres surrendered in 1984.
Both courts emphasize the importance of protecting forest land and preventing irreversible environmental damage.
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab authorities, Parneet Kaur, Shubh Sekhon, Supreme Court of India, Uttarakhand authorities, Pashulok Sewa Samiti
- What
- Courts halt tree felling in Punjab and Uttarakhand due to environmental concerns and forest land encroachment
- When
- Punjab and Haryana High Court order issued on [current date], next hearing in January; Supreme Court hearing on [current date], next hearing on January 5, 2024
- Where
- Punjab and Uttarakhand, India (specifically Mohali in Punjab and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand)
- Why
- To address environmental degradation, protect forest land, and ensure legal compliance
- Punjab Forest Cover
- 3.67%
- Trees to be Felled in Mohali
- 251
- Protected Forest Land in Mohali
- 23 acres
- Punjab and Haryana High Court Bench
- Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry
- Next Hearing Date for Punjab Case
- January (after vacation)
- Total Forest Land in Uttarakhand
- 2,866 acres
- Land Surrendered in Uttarakhand
- 594 acres in 1984
- Next Hearing Date for Uttarakhand Case
- January 5, 2024
Sources
Uttarakhand authorities sitting as land is ‘grabbed in front of their eyes’, Supreme Court says
From Uttarakhand to Tamil Nadu: Amid criticism of Aravalli ruling, instances when Supreme Court kept vigil in 2025
HC halts all tree felling across Punjab until next hearing on PILs by Mohali residents
Uttarakhand HC Issues Notices To CBI In Missing Forest Boundary Pillar Case
