Ludhiana Horticulture Branch Proposes Enhancements for Punjab's Tree Protection Bill 2025
The horticulture branch of the Ludhiana civic body has put forward a series of recommendations to be incorporated into the Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2025. This draft legislation, prepared by the forest and wildlife department of the Punjab government, is currently under review. The suggestions are designed to bolster monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to better safeguard the state's urban greenery.
Key Recommendations for Strengthening Tree Protection
Officials from the horticulture branch have emphasized that while the new bill already includes provisions for legal action against illegal tree cutting, removal, or disposal, additional measures are necessary to enhance its effectiveness. The primary focus of their proposals centers on the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive tree database.
Creation of a Tree Inventory
A major suggestion involves establishing a detailed inventory of all trees in urban areas. According to the proposal, the urban local body should serve as the nodal agency responsible for compiling this inventory within one year of the Act's notification. The inventory must adhere to a prescribed format issued by the forest department. After the initial database is set up, the urban local body would be required to update it annually to ensure ongoing monitoring and protection of trees.
Development of a Digital Database
To improve oversight, officials have advocated for the development of a digital database. They recommend setting up an online portal or mobile application that allows for regular updates and monitoring of tree information in urban areas. This digital system would facilitate efficient tracking and transparency, particularly when trees are legally cut after approval from the designated tree officer. The inventory would need continuous updates to reflect such changes accurately.
Inter-Departmental Cooperation and Monitoring
Another key recommendation calls for all relevant departments to collaborate with the urban local body in creating and maintaining the tree inventory. Additionally, the mechanism for monitoring compensatory plantation should be strengthened, with periodic reviews conducted by the tree officer to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Next Steps and Background
The horticulture branch has submitted these recommendations to the finance and contracts committee for approval. If cleared, they will be forwarded to the chief engineer of municipal corporations in the local government department of Punjab for further action. Officials highlighted that illegal tree felling has been a persistent issue in Ludhiana and across the state. Although a tree census was proposed by the civic body a few years ago, it was never implemented due to insufficient planning.
These proposals aim to address past shortcomings by introducing structured, technology-driven solutions to protect Punjab's urban tree cover, aligning with broader environmental conservation efforts.
