Breaking: HC Stays Tree Felling for Longowal Sports Stadium, Seeks Affidavit from State Government
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, October 18, 2026: The proposed construction of a sports stadium on government land adjoining the Longowal police station in Sangrur district has come under judicial scrutiny, with the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordering a stay on tree felling and directing the Punjab government to file an affidavit confirming that no trees have been cut in the disputed area.
The petition raises concerns over alleged tree felling and damage to the natural habitat of peacocks in the area.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Justice Rohit Kapoor took on record the Punjab government's assurance that no further trees would be felled in the disputed area without specific permission from the court. The Bench directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with this undertaking until the next hearing.
The court has asked the state government to submit an affidavit at the next hearing confirming that no trees have been cut in the area. The matter will now be heard on October 28.
Questions Raised Over Compliance with Earlier Court Directions
The issue was brought before the court through a petition filed by Jasinder Sekhon. Earlier, the court had directed the petitioners to submit their grievances to the concerned authorities.
Senior Advocate R.S. Bains and Advocate Shahbaz Thind, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the authorities had failed to properly consider the issues raised in the representation and had not provided the petitioners with an opportunity to present their case.
They further alleged that a large number of trees had been cut despite these concerns and that the natural habitat of peacocks was also being damaged.
On behalf of the Punjab government, Senior Deputy Advocate General Salil Sablok accepted notice and informed the court that neither construction had taken place on the land nor had any trees been felled.
The court has directed the government to file an affidavit to formally verify its stand.
Petition Seeks Assessment of Wildlife Habitat
The petitioner has sought directions restraining any activity involving the cutting or uprooting of trees, or construction of the proposed stadium, until an assessment of the wildlife habitat is conducted and the Forest Department's recommendations are duly considered.
The petition also challenges a recommendation dated September 27, 2023, under which the site was proposed for the construction of a stadium.
According to the petitioner, the decision did not give adequate consideration to the existing trees, the natural habitat, or earlier records relating to forests and wildlife in the area.
The petitioner has also sought a fresh assessment of the site involving the competent forest and wildlife authorities. The court has been urged to consider whether the land could be designated as a conservation reserve, a protected area, or brought under another appropriate legal protection category.
Concern Over Protected Wildlife Species
The petitioner has claimed that the government land contains old trees and serves as a habitat for a species protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
On this basis, the petition seeks to preserve the area as a green space and natural habitat rather than allowing development that could damage its ecological value.
The case has brought the proposed stadium project into focus over concerns about environmental protection, the preservation of mature trees, and the conservation of wildlife habitats.
All eyes are now on the October 28 hearing, when the Punjab government's affidavit is expected to be considered and the High Court may take a further view on the matter.