Another heritage tree felled near Masand Chowk

In yet another incident of alleged illegal tree felling in Model Town, an old heritage green tree located near Masand Chowk was felled in the wee hours here on Tuesday.

Only a stump now remains at the site. The tree reportedly stood adjacent to the under-construction Max Mall.

A complaint has been lodged with the Commissioner, MC, Jalandhar, by social activist Tejaswi Minhas, seeking an FIR against the owner.

The incident comes within weeks of the chopping of over 20 heritage trees at various sites around Jalandhar including a gurdwara and other buildings in Model Town. The MC, Jalandhar, had issued show-cause notices to owners of those sites.

According to local residents and workers, the tree was cut on the instructions of the owner of the under-construction commercial complex. The operation was carried out between 2 am and 6 am using heavy machinery, including JCBs and trolleys. No police personnel or PCR team reportedly arrived on the spot to prevent the felling.

In a complaint regarding the incident, filed by Minhas, he termed the act a “deliberate destruction of natural heritage.” The site is located less than 50 metre from the Model Town Gurdwara.

Condemning the incident, Minhas alleged that the tree was cut to improve the visibility of the commercial project, even though it was not located within the project site. He said the Act violated provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Punjab Trees Preservation Policy, 2024, and the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025.

He urged the district administration to take strict legal action against those responsible and ensure compensatory plantation at the location.