NGT Cracks Down on Illegal Felling of Heritage Trees in Barnala, Issues Notices to Top Punjab Officials
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken decisive action against the alleged illegal felling of a large number of heritage trees in Barnala, Punjab. In a significant move, the Tribunal has issued notices to the state government and several high-ranking officials, demanding accountability for the environmental damage caused.
Allegations of Collusion and Environmental Damage
According to a petition filed by Gurpreet Singh, officials of the Improvement Trust, Barnala, in collusion with other departments, uprooted nearly 140 mature trees near Phawara Chowk. The petitioner, who appeared via video conferencing during the hearing, claimed that these trees included ecologically significant species such as neem, banyan, peepal, mulberry, teak, kikar, tahli, and jand. Some of these trees were over 50 years old, representing a loss of heritage and biodiversity.
The operation allegedly involved the use of heavy machinery, leading to serious environmental degradation. The Tribunal also took cognisance of similar allegations of tree felling in Dhaner, Bakhatgarh, Badra villages, and the PUDA market area in Barnala town, indicating a broader pattern of neglect.
Notices Issued to Key Officials
The NGT has served notices to a wide range of officials, including:
- The Chief Secretary of Punjab
- The Principal Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department
- The Director of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department
- The Deputy Commissioner of Barnala
- Senior forest officials
- Improvement Trust functionaries
- Local panchayat representatives
- The Senior Superintendent of Police
This comprehensive list underscores the Tribunal's seriousness in addressing the issue and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Formation of Joint Committee for Investigation
In response to the allegations, the NGT has constituted a Joint Committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. The committee comprises representatives from:
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
- The regional office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Chandigarh
- The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Punjab, who has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination
The committee has been tasked with conducting a site visit, verifying the allegations, determining the exact number of trees felled, identifying those responsible, and recommending both remedial and punitive actions. It has been directed to submit its report within four weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for July 3.
Background of Unaddressed Complaints
The petitioner alleged that repeated complaints to authorities went unaddressed, possibly due to the influence of those involved in the illegal activities. This highlights systemic failures in environmental governance and raises concerns about the protection of natural heritage in the region.
The NGT's intervention marks a critical step towards justice and environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage trees for ecological balance and community well-being.
