Bathinda: Punjab water resources department has issued notices to an executive engineer and two sub-divisional engineers in connection with felling of trees and violation of environmental norms during the remodelling and lining of the side slope of the Sirhind Canal in Ludhiana and adjoining areas. The July 21 notices have asked executive engineer Damandeep Singh and SDOs Awaldeep Singh and Deevanshu Sharma to reply within 15 days. Pro-environment Public Action Committee had approached the National Green Tribunal (NGT) accusing contractors of felling trees and destroying flora and fauna by dumping machinery in the forest land during the canal remodelling. The forest department has recovered Rs 12.92 lakh from contractors for the damage. An affidavit submitted by water resources department principal secretary Krishan Kumar to the NGT, uploaded on Thursday, said an action-taken report has been sought regarding recovery of the amount pertaining to timber of the illegally felled trees. Details have also been sought on deposit and utilisation of the amount required for compensatory plantation; status of plantation of 4,000 trees and their maintenance; and action or proceedings initiated against officers, officials and contractors.
