Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Punjab HC Modifies Tree-Felling Ban for Projects
The Punjab and Haryana High Court is trying to find a balance between building important projects and protecting trees.
The court had stopped all tree cutting in December because Punjab doesn't have many trees.
But the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) say this stop has delayed important projects like roads and a solar power plant.
They argue that they have followed the rules and are planting new trees to make up for the ones they cut.
The court wants to make sure that very old and special trees are not cut down and will decide more in the next hearing.
Some people are worried that the authorities are not doing enough to plant new trees quickly.
Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Punjab Government to decide on BBMB's application to fell 4,056 trees for a solar project within three weeks.
The court allowed NHAI to continue highway projects with statutory clearances, subject to strict compliance with afforestation norms.
NHAI argued that one highway project is 75% complete and of national and strategic importance, with compensatory afforestation plans in place.
Petitioners opposed any relaxation, citing lack of clarity on timelines for compensatory afforestation and the need for sustainable development.
The court suggested a higher ratio of 10 trees for every tree felled, though it did not formally mandate it.
- Who
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab government, NHAI, BBMB, petitioners
- What
- Modification of tree-felling ban for infrastructure projects
- When
- Hearing on Friday, decision on BBMB application in three weeks
- Where
- Punjab, India
- Why
- To balance infrastructure development with environmental conservation
Development Prioritization
Environmental Conservation
Project Approvals
Development Prioritization
NHAI and BBMB argue that they have obtained necessary approvals and are undertaking compensatory afforestation.
Environmental Conservation
Petitioners contend that commercial projects do not qualify as 'rarest of rare' cases for tree felling and accuse authorities of prioritizing convenience over conservation.
Compensatory Afforestation
Development Prioritization
NHAI and the state government assert that they have deposited funds and identified land for compensatory afforestation.
Environmental Conservation
Petitioners argue that despite identifying land, no substantial plantation work has begun, and timelines for afforestation are unclear.
- Location
- Punjab, India
- Court
- Punjab and Haryana High Court
- Ban Imposed
- December 24, 2025
- Projects Affected
- Solar power project, national highway
- Compensatory Afforestation
- Rs 15 crore for NHAI project, 5:1 ratio (state policy), 10:1 ratio (court suggestion)
- Tree Cover
- 5.9% of Punjab's geographical area
- Next Hearing
- Three weeks for BBMB decision
Sources
Punjab: NHAI pushes for lifting tree-felling ban; HC says will safeguard green cover, infra needs
‘Human lives are important, so is environment’: Punjab and Haryana High Court sets up panel to examine felling of 251-tree felling plan for Mohali roundabouts
Punjab and Haryana High Court asks Punjab to decide BBMB tree-felling plea in three weeks, clears NHAI projects with conditions
