Punjab & Haryana High Court Imposes Statewide Prohibition on Tree Felling in Punjab

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a statewide prohibition on the felling of trees in Punjab, after taking note of the State’s poor forest and green cover.

The order was passed while hearing public interest litigations relating to the proposed cutting of trees for development works in SAS Nagar (Mohali). The Court observed that Punjab has one of the lowest forest cover percentages in the country, warranting immediate judicial intervention.

Directing strict compliance, the Court ordered that no tree shall be cut anywhere in Punjab without prior permission of the High Court, until further orders. The direction applies across the State and is not confined to the projects under challenge.

The State Government was also directed to circulate the order to all concerned authorities forthwith.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on 19 January 2026.