NGT issues notice to Punjab Govt over policy on delisted forestland

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notice to the Punjab Government over its policy allowing approval and regularisation of low-impact green habitats in forest areas removed from the purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. The policy, recently notified by the Punjab Housing Department, has been challenged for allegedly violating Supreme Court directions.

Petitioner Kapil Dev told the tribunal that the policy contradicted guidelines set by the Supreme Court while delisting around 55,000 hectares of land from the PLPA. He said the court had allowed delisting only for bonafide agricultural use and sustainable livelihood, while barring commercial activity. Despite this, he argued, the new notification was being used to seek commercial permissions. The next hearing is on December 18.

The Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has also sought details of the policy and the specific portions of delisted land. Committee Chairman Siddhanta Das has written to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha seeking information on the areas delisted and related court orders.

A senior government functionary said the CEC’s intervention came amid criticism from foresters and environmentalists. They alleged the policy would benefit influential persons, including politicians and serving and retired bureaucrats, by opening the door for regularising hundreds of illegal farmhouses that would otherwise face demolition.

About 55,000 hectares abutting forests with rich flora and fauna have been excluded from the PLPA. Experts warn this may have severe ecological consequences for the fragile kandi belt in the Shivalik Hills from Mohali to Pathankot. The Public Action Committee (PAC)-Mattewara and several environmentalists called the move “legally untenable, scientifically indefensible and potentially in contempt of the Supreme Court directions”.

In a representation to the CM, they argued that the Shivalik Hills’ unstable geology and steep slopes make even limited construction risky. They criticised the state for not awaiting the Centre’s decision on declaring an eco-sensitive zone around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and for ignoring provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

Key concerns

Tribunal notice follows petition alleging Punjab's new land policy violates Supreme Court restrictions

Environmentalists warn delisting of forest-linked land threatens the fragile Shivalik ecosystem

Critics say the policy may lead to regularisation of illegal farmhouses and benefit influential people