NGT Orders Action Over Illegal Liquor Vends on Forest Land
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab Forest Department to take action against officials of the Punjab Water Resources Department for violating forest laws by leasing out protected forest land for liquor vends along the Sirhind and Bist Doab canals. The order was issued by the Principal Bench comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad on July 26, 2026.
Petition by Public Action Committee
The tribunal was hearing an application filed by the Public Action Committee (PAC), which alleged that Punjab authorities unlawfully leased out protected forest land to seven wine shops and taverns. This action violated the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Leases Canceled After Forest Department Objections
Taking note of the cancellation of leases for several liquor vends operating on forest land, the tribunal directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the divisional forest officer concerned to disclose the extent of land occupied and the damage caused by these establishments. The Water Resources Department had initially stated that the shops were allotted through open auction under departmental policy, with agreements executed in July 2025. It claimed no objection was raised by the Forest Department at the time and that substantial revenue had been deposited in the treasury.
Water Resources Department's Response
However, subsequent communications from the divisional forest officers of Ludhiana and Ropar confirmed that multiple sites fell within protected forest land. Following that, the department cancelled the lease agreements. The NGT noted that the leasing of forest land for commercial purposes without prior approval from the central government is a clear violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Tribunal's Directions
The tribunal directed the Forest Department to initiate action against the officials responsible for the illegal leasing. It also asked for a detailed report on the extent of encroachment and environmental damage caused by the liquor vends. The next hearing is scheduled for September 2026.
