Illegal Leasing of Protected Forest Land for Commercial Activities
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Forest Department to take appropriate action against violators involved in the illegal leasing of protected forest land for commercial purposes, including the operation of wine shops. The directive came in response to a petition filed by the Public Action Committee (PAC), which challenged the leasing of protected forest land by the Water Resources Department along the Sirhind Canal (stretching from Ludhiana to Ropar) and the Bist Doab Canal.
NGT Issues Notices to Senior Forest Officials
The tribunal has issued notices to the Principal Secretary of the Department of Forests, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in connection with the matter. During the proceedings, the Water Resources Department informed the NGT that it had cancelled the illegal leases and submitted a detailed reply outlining the steps taken. However, the petitioners expressed dissatisfaction and urged the tribunal to direct the PCCF to initiate action against both the officials and private parties who were responsible for permitting and operating commercial activities on the protected forest land.
Assurance of Action from Forest Department
The PCCF assured the tribunal that appropriate action would be taken before the next date of hearing, as requested by the petitioners. The case highlights the ongoing conflict between environmental protection and commercial exploitation of forest land. The NGT's intervention underscores the importance of enforcing forest conservation laws and holding violators accountable. The next hearing is expected to review the progress of the action taken by the Forest Department.
