Two Ludhiana residents booked for illegal tree pruning and axing following complaints by the municipal corporation’s horticulture wing
Two Residents Booked for Illegal Tree Pruning and Axing
Two residents have been booked in separate cases for illegal pruning and axing of trees in the city. This follows complaints from the municipal corporation’s horticulture wing. An MC official stated that only two FIRs have been registered in the past five years. Environmental activists claim such incidents happen often.
Details of the Cases
| Case | Location | Action | Date | Sections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Case | BRS Nagar, Block-D | Axing of silver oak tree | December 20 | 303(2) of BNS |
| Second Case | Gurdev Nagar | Pruning of roadside tree | N/A | 303(2), 324(4), 280 of BNS |
Legal Restrictions on Tree Removal
Pruning and axing of trees are restricted across the state. The Punjab and Haryana High Court imposed a ban on tree felling on December 19. This decision followed the illegal cutting of nearly 250 trees near Sirhind, which caused public outrage. The court stated that trees cannot be removed for development, visibility, or convenience.
Conditions for Pruning
MC officials mentioned that pruning is allowed only under special circumstances. “Branches can only be pruned where they obstruct electric wires or the movement of commuters. Even in permitted cases, prior approval is mandatory,” an MC official said.
Public Response
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) had proposed felling several trees for development. However, this plan was put on hold due to public objections and protests from environmental groups. Residents believe the recent police action should deter future violations. “The authorities must strictly enforce the law. Trees are public property and cannot be removed at will,” said Gurcharan Singh, a resident of Sarabha Nagar.
Ongoing Enforcement Actions
MC junior engineer Kirpal Singh stated that such actions will continue wherever violations are found. He noted that these two FIRs are the only ones registered in the past five years. “Permission is required for pruning or cutting any tree. People must follow the rules,” an official said.
