Punjab Protection of Trees Bill 2026 to boost green cover, ensure ecological balance: Minister Kataruchak
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 14, 2026: The Punjab Protection of Trees Bill, 2026 will be a milestone in increasing green cover, maintaining ecological balance and regulating tree felling and replantation in the state, Forests and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said.
The Bill, passed during the recent Monsoon Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, proposes mandatory permission for tree felling in urban areas and provides for penalties and environmental compensation for violations.
Under the proposed legislation, a designated Tree Officer will be appointed in every jurisdiction, and permission will be mandatory before a tree is felled. Applications will generally have to be decided within 30 days, while cases involving dead trees will be decided within seven days.
The Bill provides that a person permitted to fell a tree will have to plant and maintain two trees for every tree cut, preferably in the same area. If land is unavailable, the Tree Officer may permit plantation at another location or allow the applicant to deposit the required amount in the state treasury.
Trees must be planted within three months of felling. Failure to comply can attract penalties, with the fine rising to Rs 50,000 if non-compliance continues.
Illegal tree felling will attract environmental compensation of up to Rs 10,000 per tree. The Bill also proposes fines of Rs 10,000 for a first violation, Rs 35,000 for a second and Rs 50,000 for a third offence.
The legislation will apply to municipal bodies across Punjab, while rural areas have been kept outside its ambit in view of the practice of agroforestry.
According to the Bill, only dead trees or trees that have fallen without human intervention may generally be felled in urban areas. However, permission cannot be denied if a tree is found to pose a danger to a person or property.
The Bill aims to maintain green cover, prevent environmental pollution and promote soil conservation. Trees located in cantonment areas, military stations, Air Force stations and other defence establishments have been exempted in view of the operational requirements of the armed forces.