MC issues show-cause notices over illegal felling of heritage trees in GTB Nagar gurdwara

Acting on a report carried in these pages, highlighting the alleged illegal cutting of trees by the management committee of a gurdwara in GTB Nagar and owners of an under-construction building on Rainbow Road in Model Town, the Municipal Corporation Jalandhar (MCJ) has issued show-cause notices to the parties concerned.

The issue was highlighted in these pages in a news report titled “20 heritage trees axed, Jalandhar gurdwara management, building owner may land in trouble”. Over 20 heritage trees, including those on the road divider opposite the gurdwara, were cut to install ornamental lights.

According to officials, a notice were served in person to the gurdwara management committee, while a copy was pasted on the building construction site on Rainbow Road. The action follows a complaint filed by city-based environmentalist Tejasvi Minhas regarding the unauthorised felling of trees at both locations.

Officials said the civic body had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal cutting, lopping or pruning of trees. They clarified that any such activity requires prior permission from the Municipal Corporation and violations would invite strict action, including registration of FIRs and imposition of heavy penalties.

Commenting on the issue, complainant Tejasvi Minhas emphasised on the need for more public awareness on environmental protection. He said safeguarding existing trees was essential to combat climate change, deteriorating air quality and environmental degradation, adding that preservation was as important as plantation efforts.

Dilip Kumar, MC horticulture expert, said, “Notices have been served to three parties involved in felling trees illegally, including the GTB gurdwara management, the Rainbow Road building owner and a cafe owner in Model Town. Their cases have been referred to the tree preservation committee specially designated to look into the matter. Follow up notices will also be issued in the coming days based on the reply to which the, final action of requisite legal proceedings, will be initiated against violators.”