Illegal tree felling at Sangrur Civil Hospital sparks outrage, alleges environment negligence
Babushahi Bureau
Sangrur (Punjab), April 8, 2025: A serious complaint has emerged regarding the alleged illegal felling of nearly 17 mature trees within the premises of Civil Hospital, Sangrur, reportedly to make way for an additional hospital building.
The matter has drawn attention after activist Jasinder Sekhon submitted a formal complaint to Mr. C.S. Walia, PCS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sangrur, urging immediate intervention and accountability.
According to the complaint, the trees were axed without obtaining mandatory approvals from the Municipal Council, in apparent violation of environmental and municipal laws.
Sekhon claimed that on-site officials informed him that the action followed a recent meeting chaired by SDM Walia, where clearance for construction was allegedly given.
Despite Sekhon’s telephonic warnings to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Senior Medical Officer (SMO) regarding a Punjab and Haryana High Court stay order (CWP-18565-2021) on tree cutting, the final remaining Pipal tree was also reportedly cut late at night. “It is very disheartening to watch government officers having no fear of the law,” Sekhon remarked in his letter.
The complaint further alleges that the construction plan for the proposed building has not been approved by the Municipal Council, Sangrur, making the clearing of the site “both premature and illegal.”
Sekhon specifically named XEN, PWD (B&R), Sangrur, accusing him of tree felling across the city under the guise of development.Sekhon cited multiple past incidents, including:
- Attempted tree felling on his residential road, which was halted after intervention by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- Unauthorized tree cutting on Kali Devi Mandir Road and pedestrian paths, which led to an ongoing legal case in the court of the Hon’ble ADJ.
- Felling of old trees near the bus stand and other urban areas without valid permissions.
He questioned the double standards, noting that PSPCL (Punjab State Power Corporation Limited) had followed proper procedures by submitting building plans and paying municipal fees, while PWD B&R allegedly bypassed these requirements in the case of the Civil Hospital.
“It is particularly regrettable that a hospital — a place meant for healing — will now suffer the loss of vital green cover essential for air quality and patient well-being,” Sekhon said, further quoting public outrage over the incident: “Had trees bled, there would have been a bloodbath at the hospital yesterday.”
In support of his claims, Sekhon enclosed:
- A copy of the High Court stay order,
- Official communication from the Local Government Department mandating plan approvals for government buildings,
- Photographic evidence of the felled trees.
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He has urged the SDM to take immediate action, initiate a full inquiry, and ensure accountability of all those involved.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or the PWD Department regarding the allegations.