NGT orders probe into tree felling at Panchkula village

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken cognisance of alleged illegal tree felling in a garden located in Bhainsa Tibba village, Sector 3, Mansa Devi Complex.

According to an application submitted by Hardik Bhanot, unidentified individuals were cutting trees for commercial purposes on land protected under the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900 (PLPA), where such activities are strictly prohibited.

During the hearing held on July 29 before the Principal Bench in New Delhi, a three-member bench comprising chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Dr A Senthil Vel, and Dr Afroz Ahmad heard submissions from the applicant’s counsel, Siddharth Mittal and Sumit Kumar Sharma. The applicant supported his allegations with specific khasra number details and submitted video footage (Annexure A-4) as evidence of the illegal felling, which he reportedly witnessed on December 19, 2024. He also claimed to have seen logs being transported for commercial gain.

The tribunal has issued notices to the respondents and directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Panchkula, to conduct an immediate site inspection. The PCCF has also been asked to prevent any further illegal activity and take action against the responsible individuals if the claims are substantiated.

A separate action taken report must be filed by the PCCF at least one week before the next hearing scheduled on October 30. The NGT has also instructed the applicant to serve notice to all respondents and file an affidavit of service accordingly.