Chief Justice Sheel Nagu launches sapling plantation drive at Punjab and Haryana High Court

Saurabh Malik

Chandigarh, July 16

Chief Justice Sheel Nagu along with other judges of the Punjab and Haryana High Court have decided to plant over 600 saplings of 80 flowering and medicinal plants and fruit-bearing trees. The green addition to the high court’s pristine environs was started with the launch of a massive sapling plantation drive yesterday.

The air, filled with the earthy scent of the wet soil, provided an ideal setting for Chief Justice Nagu and the judges to come out of the courts. The drive, initiated by the high court’s building committee led by Justice Deepak Sibal, commenced with the ceremonial planting of the first sapling by Chief Justice Nagu. The latter underscored the importance of environmental conservation and the court’s dedication to nurturing a greener and better environment.

The usually sombre court premises buzzed with an unusual vibrancy as other senior judges joined in to plant a sapling each, symbolising a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The drive is part of a broader initiative, following the commendable effort by the Punjab and Haryana High Court Employees Welfare Association, which organised a fruit-bearing sapling plantation drive on April 30 within the court premises.

Registrar, Vigilance-cum-PRO, Kamaljit Lamba said the initiative was in alignment with the principles of sustainable development and the public trust doctrine, showcasing the court’s proactive stance in environmental jurisprudence.

Lamba said the endeavour would enhance the ecological and aesthetic value of the court complex environment, aligning with Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to a healthy environment as part of the right to life.

A senior advocate said the high court’s commitment to incorporating additional greenery within its infrastructure sets a precedent in environmental jurisprudence. By undertaking regular follow-ups to ensure the healthy growth of the planted trees, the court inspires the community to participate in environmental conservation efforts.